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MEMOIR
CHARLES LOWE
BY HIS WIFE
MARTHA PERRY LOWE
BOSTON
CUPPLES, UPHAM, AND COMPANY
Itr Corner 80ofcst0rc .
1884
PREFACE.
rTlHIS memoir of Charles Lowe has been written at
"*- the request of his wisest friends, and encouraged
by his brethren in the ministry.
The " Memorial " which appeared at the time of his
departure, bears full testimony to the affection and
esteem in which he was held. These tributes do not
need to be repeated here. This book endeavors to
show us the life of the man as he appeared to himself
and to the world. The author has been fortunate in
having a large store of private papers to draw from,
showing through a daily journal the growth of the
young man's character, and its power over his fellow-
men.
He would have been the last one to think that his
history could be needed in the world. But, if he were
assured that this story of his life and work would leave
an enduring influence for good upon the church of
his love, he would gently yield to its publication, we
believe.
That this blessing may come from the book, is the
earnest hope of
THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
BIETH AND EARLY EDUCATION.
1828-1844. 1845-1846.
PAGE
Childhood. Exeter Academy. Classmate's Letter. Harvard
University. Names of Classmates. Begins a Journal. Hard
Examinations. A Lively Walk. Navy Club Procession.
Visits Country Relatives 1
CHAPTER II.
SECOND YEAR OF COLLEGE.
1845, 1846, 1847.
1845, White Mountain Journey. Letters from Friends. Col-
lege Pranks. Inauguration of President Everett. Closing
Term. Home again. Webster at Faneuil Hall. 1847, Col-
lege Cabals 11
CHAPTER III.
TALK OF A PROFESSION.
1847-1848.
Indecision. College Strifes. Consults Dr. Walker. Examina-
tion. Parts given out. Leave-takings. Extracts from
Letters Home. Law-Office of Hon. Amos Tuck. Mr. Tuck's
Letter. Exeter Gossip. Journey West 22
2136718
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
THE CHOICE MADE.
1848.
PAGE
Plan of Study with Dr. Peabody of Portsmouth. Dull Spirits.
Muster-Training. Exeter Society 30
CHAPTER V.
STUDIES IN EXETER AND PORTSMOUTH.
1848-1849.
General Taylor elected President. Young Men's Societies.
Temperance Lecture. Letter to a Friend 37
CHAPTER VI.
HOME-LIFE AND LARGER WORK.
1849.
Letter from Classmate Anniversary Meetings in Boston. Let-
ter from Dr. Peabody. Seashore Days 46
CHAPTER VII.
THE DIVINITY SCHOOL.
1849.
Theological Studies. Dr. Francis. Friends in Boston. Letters
from Classmates. Drs. "Walker and Noyes. Letter to his
Mother 55
CHAPTER VIII.
STUDENT-LIFE.
1849-1850.
Self-Condemnation. .Importance of Health. Frolic in Boston.
Home-work and Play. First Sermon. Compliments.
New Tutorships. Great Day at Concord 65
CONTENTS. vii
CHAPTER IX.
NEW RESPONSIBILITIES.
1850.
PAGE
Faculty Meeting. Professors' Dignity. Fugitive-slave Law.
Quack Doctors. Letter to Student. Hard Drilling. Letter
from Dr. Horatio Stebbins 71
CHAPTER X.
A NEW HOME.
1850.
Good Spirits. Dr. "Walker. Thoughts about the West. New-
England Country Parishes. Anxieties for the Future . . 78
CHAPTER XL
. PREACHING.
1851.
Anti-slavery Discussion. Calls to Parishes. Letters from
Friends. Tutorship. Hazing Freshmen. Self-criticism . 84
CHAPTER XII.
CHOICE OF A PARISH,
t
1852.
Visit to Brooklyn. Letters. Perplexities. Mr. E. Peabody's
Advice. Accepts at New Bedford. Ride in the Snow.
Note-Books. Class Programme 92
CHAPTER XIII.
THE NEW PARISH.
1852.
New Bedford. Home Visit. 111 Health. Ordination. Parish
Work. Visit to Gov. Swain. Sermon. Letters from
Friends 99
Viii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
1852-1853.
PAGE
New Bedford. Daniel Webster. Sunday-school Sermon.
Right Hand of Fellowship. Parish Work. Poor Woman.
Farewells 110
CHAPTER XV.
JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND THE EAST.
1853-1854.
Voyage. Sight-seeing. Liverpool. Glasgow. Paris. Alex-
andria. Nile Boat. Pyramids. Dining out on the Nile.
Terrible Disaster. Weeping Rais. Justice Impending . . 123
CHAPTER XVI.
EASTERN LIFE (continued).
1854.
Mystery Unsolved. Rudder Broken. Dark Reports. Family
Scene. Thebes Luxor. Karuac by Moonlight. Dancing-
Girls. Tombs. Mummy-Pits. Philse. Refractory Men.
Captain Taken. Coptic School. Shooting Pigeons. Tem-
ple of Athor. Governor's Reception. Hot Coffee. Naked
Saint. Aground. Turkish Bath. Chanting in Coptic
Church. Civility. Donkey-Boys. New Dragoman, Ab-
dallah 137
CHAPTER XVII.
JOURNEY INTO SYRIA.
1854.
Camping out. Desert. Fighting-men. Weary Camels.
Gaza. Jaffa. Ramleh . Jerusalem. Bethlehem. Unfaith-
ful Dragoman. His Trial. New Dragoman, Achmed.
Mount of Olives. Dead Sea. Jordan. Wonderful Flowers.
Mounts Hermon and Tabor. Nazareth. Snow and Rain.
Mud-hovel. Baalbec .148
CONTENTS. ix
CHAPTER XVIII.
JOURNEY TOWARDS EUROPE.
1854.
PAGE
Beyroot. Friends. Letter to Sunday School. Damascus.
Smyrna. Constantinople. Howling Dervishes. Pmeus.
Acropolis. Athens. Mount Pentelicus. " Maid of Athens."
Malta. Rome 162
CHAPTER XIX.
TRAVELS IN EUROPE.
1854.
Rome. Florence. Bologna. Venice. Milan. Como. Mar-
tigny. Geneva. Munich. Nuremberg. Fribourg. Dres-
den. Berlin. Charlotteuburg. Schools. Unter den Lin-
den. Erfurt. Luther. Frankfort 170
CHAPTER XX.
STUDIES IN GERMANY.
1854.
Strasburg. Heidelberg. Coblentz. Bonn. Frankfort. Halle.
Professor Erdmann. Letter to New Bedford. Ulrici.
Tholuck. Discussions. Christmas. Religion in Germany . 177
CHAPTER XXL
NEW QUARTERS.
1855.
The Old Bell. Social Life. Tholuck. Students' Supper.
Funeral. Professor Diinan. Philosophy. Illiberality.
Tholuck's Opinions. Farewell to Halle. Gottingen. Ewald.
Students. Kaiserwerth. Dusseldorf. Dutch Landlord.
Rotterdam. London. Parliament. House of Commons.
Canterbury. Bruges. Brussels. Amiens. Paris. Let-
ter to New Bedford. Port Royal. Havre. Liverpool.
English Portraits. On Board Ship for America. Passengers.
Discussions. Note-Books. Boston Harbor . . . 188
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXII.
HOME AGAIN.
1855.
PAGE
Exeter. New Bedford. Salem. Portland. Letter to Parish.
Skeleton of Sermon. Indecision. Accepts at Salem. Let-
ter about Exeter. Condition of Parish. Settles in Salem . 203
CHAPTER XXIII.
SALEM.
1855-1856.
New Friends. Mrs. M. "W. Foote. Hospitalities. First Ser-
mon. "Work. Letter to Mr. O. B. Frothingham. Interested
Hearers. Lectures on Palestine. Greek Class. Visit of
Consolation. German Reading. Stormy Sundays. Sermon
on Access to God. Sermon on " The Authority of Christ " . 213
CHAPTER XXIV.
NEW DUTIES.
Sunday School. Consolation to the Afflicted. Sermon on
"Greater Things than these shall ye do," etc. Visit to
Keene. Kansas Atrocities. Charles Sumner. Extempo-
raneous Speaking. Political Sermon 224
CHAPTER XXV.
VACATION.
185C-1857.
Sermon on "The Sahbath." Letter of Mr. Pickman. Afflic-
tions in the Parish. Convention in Salem. Fremont Cam-
paign. Letter of Miss Saltonstall and Others. Death of Dr.
E. Peabody. Appropriate Sermon. Severe Cold on the
Lungs 231
CONTENTS. xi
CHAPTER XXVI.
NEW EVENTS.
1857.
PAGE
Engagement to be Married. Ill-health. Deaths in Parish.
Complete Prostration. Goes to Exeter. Alarming Condition.
Slow Recovery. Resignation at Salem 241
CHAPTER XXVII.
LIFE ON A FARM.
1858.
The Long Parlor. The Furnishing. Home Pictures. The
Barn. The Stock. Notice to Quit. The Anniversaries.
Farewell to Pickman Farm 249
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HILLSIDE.
1859.
Description of Place. Free Life. Farming. Journals. Parish
Committees. Visits of Friends 257
CHAPTER XXIX.
ANOTHER PARISH.
1859-1860.
The New Home. The People. Sermon-writing. Convention.
Sunday-school Address at Newton. Paper before the South
Middlesex Ministerial Association at Cambridge .... 263
CHAPTER XXX,
CIVIL WAR.
1801-1863.
Journey to Cincinnati. Exciting Scenes. "Words to his Peo-
ple. Talk with Mr. Sparks. Major Anderson. War Ser-
mon. Visitation Day. Northern Defeat. Brave Words.
Death of a Relative. Committee Work at Home. American ,
Unitarian Association . . . . 277
xii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXI.
JOY IN THE HOME.
1862-1SG3.
PAGE
Birth of a Daughter. Enlistments. Three Hundred Thousand
more. Addresses the Men on Prospect Hill. Farewell to
Soldiers in Church. Sermon on Sunday. Address at Lit-
erary Union. Temperance Successes. Letter to Discon-
tented People. Parish Sympathies. Club Dinner. Drafted
for the War '..294
CHAPTER XXXII.
LIFE IN CAMP.
1863-1864.
Letter to Gov. Andrew. Chaplaincy at Long Island. Short
Sermons to the Men. Trip to South Carolina. Return.
Accounts of his Visit to the Army, etc. Shipboard. South-
ern Ruin. Sanitary Commission. Richmond Battles. Ear-
jnest Sermon. Thanksgiving Discourse 305
CHAPTER XXXIII.
ARMY SCENES.
1864.
Rival Commissions. Goes South Again. Chairman of Ameri-
can Unitarian Association Army Commission. Camping with
Officers. Tent Life. Visiting Regiments. Black Soldiers.
Jottings. Home. Reports to his People. New-England
Freedmea's Aid Committee . .316
> CHAPTER XXXIV.
LAST PARISH DAYS.
1865.
Sermon-writing. New Committee Work. Division of Feeling.
, Conservatives and Radicals. Three Short Sermons. The
Rich and Poor . 329
CONTENTS. xiii
CHAPTER XXXV.
ARMY-WORK.
1865.
PAGE
Army Committee of American Unitarian Association. Down
South Again. Letters from Friends. Sympathy for the
People. Observations on the Blacks. Address to them.
Records of Talk with Colored People. Philanthropists.
Hilton Head. On " Arago." Bound North. Reflections . 340
CHAPTER XXXVI.
HOME AGAIN.
1865.
Address to the Young. Letters. Discourse. Letters from
Miss Stevenson and Mrs. Cheney. Speech at New-York
Meeting. Election as Secretary of American Unitarian As-
sociation. Farewell to Parish. Activity of the Association.
" Monthly Journal " 356
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE NEW SECRETARY.
1865-1866.
Denominational Work. " Monthly Journal." Conference in
Somerville. Missionary Enterprises. Southern Failure.
Conference in Springfield. Mr. Lowe's Speech. New Open-
ings. Publications. Birth of a Second Daughter. Maine
Missions. National Conference. Affecting Discussion.
Fine Spirit. Meadville. Generous Contributions. Good
Ending 369
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION.
1867-1868.
Activity. Importance of "The Journal." Resignation of Mr.
Weiss. Mr. Lowe's Reply. Speeches at Conferences.
Universalists. Address before "Ministerial Union," Boston.
African Methodist Church. Gov. Andrew's Death.
Other Losses. Reply to Orthodox. Third National Con-
ference. Local Secretaries' Discussions. Old Difficulties
Settled at Last. Missionary Zeal. "Christian Register's"
Editorial. Hopeful Times 388
Xiv CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
LAST YEAR OF " THE MONTHLY JOURNAL."
18G9-1870.
PAGE
Its Objects. Talk about Parishes. Address before Ministerial
Union. Hopeful Spirit. Cordial Letter from Radical Min-
ister. Conservative Sympathy. Addresses. Talk at Con-
ferences. Forty-fourth Anniversary of American Unitarian
Association. Divinity Schools Journey West. " Old and
New." Farewell to " The Journal" 411
CHAPTER XL.
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION.
1870.
Shots at the National Conference. "Register's" Sympathy.
Dr. Clarke's Article. Women on the Board. A New Move-
ment. Mr. Lowe's Opinion of it. Anniversary Meeting
Mr. Lowe's Defence. Triumph. Ladies' Commission. Mr.
Lowe's Call to Cambridge. Kind Words from Press and
Ministers. Sharp-shooting in "Register." Statement of
Faith. Circular of New Movement. Pacific " Layman."
Good Works continued 423
CHAPTER XL I.
ROCKS AHEAD.
Criticisms. Dr. Clarke's Article. The New Movement Still.
Scattering Shots. Mr. Lowe's "Reply." National Con-
ference of 1870. Ninth Article. Premature Questions.
Dr. Bellows settles them. Mr. Hepworth's Resolution.
Conference Divided. Lively Talk. Amendments upon
Amendments. Dr. Bellows's Catholicity. Samuel J. May's
Speech. Good Feeling. New Meshes of Controversy.
Mr. Hepworth's Amendment to his Article. Mr. Calthrop's
Appeal for Unity. Vote Taken. Article Accepted. New
Sparks from 'the Ashes Put Out. Harmony. Saratoga
Named for Next Conference. Closing Speech of Judge Chapin.
Mr. Lowe's Content. Letter from Rev. E. E. Hale . . 447
CONTENTS. XV
CHAPTER XLIL
AFTEE THE CONFERENCE.
1870-1871.
PAGE
Good Cheer in "The Register." Mr. Lowe's Reports. Letter
from Layman. Address at Conference Appeal to "Women.
To Young Ministers. To Parishes. To the West. " Presi-
dent's Indian Movement." Mr. Lowe's Retirement from
American Unitarian Association. Forty-sixth Anniversary
of American Unitarian Association. Ladies on the Board.
Leave-taking. Kind Letters ........ 470
CHAPTER XLTII.
THE EX- SECRETARY.
1871-1872.
Explanations. Generous Gift. Death of Rev. Samuel J. May.
Death of Dr. Gannett. M. Coquerel's Visit. Voyage
Decided. On the Water. Havre. Paris. Nice. Rome.
Naples. Rome. Florence. Bologna. Verona. Venice.
Toulouse. Spain. Friends. Sight-seeing. Parting . . 492
CHAPTER XLIV.
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT.
1872-1873.
Unitarian Meetings. Mr. Conway's Service. Rochedale Meet-
ings, etc. Holland. Switzerland. Chernex. Montreux.
Social Life. Schools. Religion. Departure. Paris.
Amiens. -Boulogne. Folkestone. Canterbury. London.
Speech at Dinner. Farewell Address at the Stamford-street
Meeting 509
CHAPTER XEY7~~
HOME AGAIN.
1873.
Passengers. R. W. Emerson. On Shore. Music-hall Meeting.
Reception to Mr. Lowe. Death of his Father. Fragments
of Journal. Foreign Reflections. Genevan Pastors. Vol-
taire. Spain. Amadeus. Alfonso. Mr. Perry and the
Spanish Government. Religion. Castelar. Portrait of Co-
lumbus. Hernando Cortes. Swiss Character. English Peo-
ple. Sir John Bowring. Invalids. Brahino Somaj . . 528
xvi CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XLVI.
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS.
1873.
PAGE
Address before the Alumni of the Divinity School, Cambridge.
Address before Ministerial Union, Boston. Essay before South
Middlesex Association of Ministers. Education. Science.
Co-education. Cambridge Parish. Antioch College . . 541
CHAPTER XLVII.
THE NEW "HEVIEW."
1873-1874.
His Proposals to the American Unitarian Association. Letter to
Mr. A. T. Lyman. Mr. Lowe's Election on the Board of the
American Unitarian Association. " Review " decided upon.
He asks Co-operation everywhere. Cordiality of the Minis-
ters. Dr. Walker's Letter. Official Vote of the American
Unitarian Association to aid the "Review." His Ardor in
the "Work. Pull-backs. Up again. First Number of "Re-
view" out in March, 1874. His Editorial Prospectus. Table
of Contents. The Unitarian Name. Outside Criticism.
April Number of " Review." List of Articles. Comments.
May Number. Contents. General Choice of Articles, and
Systematic Care of the Work 563
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE END.
1874.
Failing Health. Anniversaries. Year-Book Controversy.
Mr. Lowe's Resolution. Physical Exhaustion. June Num-
ber of "Review." Drive to Swampscott on Saturday. En-
joyment of the Sea. Hemorrhage on Sunday Night. Fresh
Attacks. His "Review." Longing to Work. Growing
Weaker. A Severe Hemorrhage. Great Exhaustion. Will-
ingness to die. Freedom from Pain. Joyful Day. Tender
Messages. Peaceful Night. Saturday. Longing to depart.
Spasms for Breath. Intervals of Repose. Joins in the
Chant, "The Lord is My Shepherd." Passes away at four
o'clock Saturday Afternoon, June 20, 1874 577
APPENDIX .593
MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE,
CHAPTER I.
BIRTH AND EARLY EDUCATION.
1828-1844. 1845-1846.
Childhood. Exeter Academy. Classmate's Letter. Harvard
University. Names of Classmates. Begins a Journal. Hard
Examinations. A Lively "Walk. Navy Club Procession.
Visits Country Relatives.
CHARLES LOWE was born at Portsmouth, N.H., Nov.
V_y 18, 1828. He was the only son of Sarah Ann Simes
and John Lowe of Portsmouth, N.H. He had three sisters.
One died in infancy: the other two survive him, Maria
Frances, the wife of Rev. John M. Marsters of North Cam-
bridge, Mass., and Georgianne, the wife of Nathaniel Gordon
of Exeter, N.H. His maternal grandparents were Nancy
Hardy and George Simes ; his paternal grandparents were
Maria Yeaton and Elisha Lowe, all of Portsmouth. His
grandfather Simes was one of the most prominent mem-
bers of the Universalist Society in Portsmouth. His house
was long the hospitable headquarters of the ministers of that
church. He had a disposition of rare sweetness and benig-
nity. Nothing could disturb the serenity of his spirit. He
was very fond of sacred music, and loved on Sunday nights to
have a circle of his relatives and neighbors around the piano,
with one of his daughters in the seat, when he would sing
2 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE,
the old Psalm-tunes with them until the tears of religious
joy rolled clown his cheeks. He lived to a good old age,
and dropped away in his chair as peacefully and naturally
as became his harmonious life. The great-grandmother on
the other side, Elizabeth Yeaton, was one of the pillars in
the Unitarian Church at Portsmouth, under the ministry of
Dr. Parker. It was her custom on Sunda}-, after church,
to gather her grandchildren around her in her chamber, and
hear them repeat hymns. Dr. A. P. Peabocly recalls her
during his ministry in Portsmouth, and considers her remark-
able for a highly endowed religious nature. Her manner
of enduring heav}' and sudden affliction was surprising to a
pastor, who, instead of bearing the burden of her sorrow,
found himself uplifted to new heights of faith by her lofty
resignation.
Charles Lowe's parents removed to Exeter, X.H., while he
was very young. His father was a man early thrown upon
his own resources. He was put into the store of prominent
merchants in Portsmouth, where he was trained to the most
exact habits of business. His strict honest}-, promptness,
and good judgment were appreciated b}- his employers. He
afterwards set up in business for himself, and acquired a
moderate property. He became superintendent of an exten-
sive cotton manufactory at Exeter. Here he displayed on a
larger scale the same business abilities. His subordinates all
feared and yet loved him. His devotion to the interests of
the corporation was unwavering ; and the sagacity which he
evinced in the management of its funds and its general policy
was so far-seeing, that business-men looked upon his word as
a kind of prophecy sure to be fulfilled. This executive ability
and exactness of business habits we shall see in his son,
whom he trained to the same regularity and promptness in
the management of his own affairs, and especially those of
other people. The father loved the old-fashioned ways,
always went to church twice a day, and liked to read a chap-
ter in the Bible to his family every morning. The home in
BIETH AND EAELT EDUCATION. 3
Exeter was a good specimen of the best New-England house-
keeping. Liberality prevailed, and yet thrift. The worthy
poor came daily to the door to receive from their abundance,
and a genial hospitality was extended to old and j'oung.
Many were the simple gatherings of youthful people who met
in those pleasant parlors, and the young Charles was the
light of them all. He alwa3 T s dwelt fondly on those early
da}'s : the simplicity and freshness of their enjoyments com-
pared with the entertainments of young people now. He
loved to recall the golden autumn days when they went a-nut-
ting among the October woods ; or summer afternoons when
they were boating on the Exeter River, a meny party of
boj's and girls ; or the winter nights when they had their
little parties to end at nine or ten o'clock, and going home
with the girls. Time has changed these old ways in his
home as elsewhere. But who can estimate the sweet influ-
ences of these simple associations of youth? He thought
a New-England country village the best place that a child
could be born in ; and he would have liked it for the
whole of life, only his destiny took him elsewhere. His
childhood was considered a healthy one. He was sent very
earl} r to an infant-school, and was much loved by the women
who taught him. Yet he was fond of all outside sports, and
developed a good deal of skill with gun and horse in after-
life. There was nothing effeminate about him. He never
wanted their kisses or caresses, the teachers said ; but his
genial spirit found a response in their natures, and they
loved him. His memories of his childhood, as we recall
them from his lips, always showed unconsciously a delicate
sympathy with others' troubles, or the patient endurance of
his own. He remembered all his youth the expression of
disappointment on his little sister's face, because the birth-
day china mug had her name spelled wrong on it. Neither
spoke, so implicit was the habit of reticent obedience. But
what a photographer is the memory to make such lasting
impression upon the mind and heart !
4 MEMOIR OF CUAELES LOWE.
When he was about twelve years old he entered Phillips
Academy at Exeter. This academy had reached a position
of high distinction under the care of the Rev. Dr. Abbot,
whose genial manners, uprightness of purpose, and scholar-
ship, made him beloved and revered through all the country
round. The academy acquired a prestige second almost to
Harvard College, and our best men who have gone forth
from that school to enter at Cambridge look back upon
those years in Exeter with fondness and pride ; and when
the buildings were burned, not many years ago, they gave
liberally of their money to raise them up again. Many were
the little relics of the wood cut into canes, crosses, etc.,
which were treasured by the old lovers of the spot. Dr.
Gideon Soule, the principal at this time, kept the academy
up to its former mark of celebrit}'. It shed lustre on the
town of Exeter, peopled by families descended from the best
old Puritan stock. They, in their turn, extended generous
hospitalities to the students, who, in those days of plain liv-
ing and high thinking, were not unwilling occasionally to sit
down at a well-filled board. Many were the youths who
from time to time were invited to the mother's table.
We are indebted to the Rev. George F. Clark for some
reminiscences of the 3"oung Charles, who was his schoolmate
at Exeter. A portion of his letter we quote here :
" Probably none of those who were subsequently associated with
him in the ministry knew him so early in life as myself. He en-
tered the academy about the year 1840, when he could not have
been more than twelve years of age. I well remember his round,
chubby face, bright countenance, and artless smile. I have never
known more than one or two other boys who manifestly were so
nearly without guile as he. He soon endeared himself to all the
members of the school. I was greatly interested in him, as were
also most of the older pupils ; for he seemed wise above his years,
and evidently enjoyed the society of those older than himself. Yet
he was not in the least assuming or obtrusive in his intercourse
with his seniors. ... As a scholar he must have taken a high
BIRTH AND EARLY EDUCATION. 5
rank ; for he appeared to be a favorite with Dr. Soule, principal
of the school, who took naturally great interest in those who were
wide awake and quick to learn. ... I left the school with the
assurance that he would take an honorable position in the world
when he should be fully prepared to enter on its untried scenes,
so true is it that ' the child is father to the man.' "
The young student had a very great regard and affection
for the academj^ at Exeter, and always dwelt fondly on his
old associations there, remembering with much gratitude the
kindness of the principal and the various professors and
students. He had a peculiar affection for the teacher of
mathematics, Professor J. G. Hoyt, who resigned his posi-
tion afterwards at Exeter on account of ill health, and was
made chancellor of a college at St. Louis. Professor Hoyt
had that rare enthusiasm, so magnetic in a teacher, which
won the bo} r 's heart, and stimulated him with a love of truth
which he never forgot. Charles entered Harvard University
in the }*ear 1844 as sophomore, and graduated the fourth of
Ms class, giving at commencement the salutatory in Laiin.
His class, we think, might be considered a good one. Among
the names we find those of the late John B. Felton, a distin-
guished lawyer in California ; Judge J. W. Savage, an influ-
ential man in the West ; Dr. Charles G. Smith of Chicago, a
well-known and valuable physician there ; Dr. Richard M.
Hodges of Cambridge, another successful physician ; Rev.
Francis Tiffany of West Newton, an able writer and
preacher in the Unitarian denomination ; Rev. J. M. Mar-
sters of North Cambridge, also of that denomination, a man
of fine critical powers and rich imagination ; George Phillips,
Esq., and Judge William Endicott, of Salem; Joseph P.
Gardner, Dr. Charles Shaw, Charles Allen, Esq., Rev.
James Jennison, Chester Harding, jun., and other names
well known and valuable to the world.
We quote a little, in regard to the examination, from his
early journal ; because in these days, when there is so much
talk about educational system, it is interesting to see how a
6 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
boy got on at Cambridge on his first appearance thirty years
or more ago :
" Monday, 27. Examined in Latin prosody. This was a study
upon which I expected a ' screwing,' but I passed a much better
examination than I expected. We also had imperfect sentences of
Latin given us to correct. Next we were examined in the whole
of Andrews's Latin Grammar; next the Greek Grammar, etc., the
adjectives and verbs. Next we were sent to Professor Felton, who
appeared the same as when we visited him Saturday, unwilling
that any should make a mistake, or become confused in the recita-
tion."
What better could be said of a teacher than these few
words, "Unwilling that any should make a mistake"?
The boy felt this kindness at once, not so much for himself,
as for his fellow-pupils.
"Next our mathematical examination, simple in its kind, and
yet, alas! too severe for some, as was shown by the result. M
and myself were the first to get through; and we, in consequence,
had about an hour to ourselves, which we passed very pleasantly
sitting on the front steps of the building. Tuesday we were re-
quired to translate two Latin passages, one prose, the other
poetry, which were very hard. We were examined in Caesar and
Virgil and Cicero. Some Greek passages were given us then to
translate. One was very easy; but the other fell to me, and hard
indeed it was. We read some poetry ; but, while I was reciting,
the procession of the Alumni passed. Mr. M 's attention was
taken up by that, and I got along remarkably well. We then went
to Professor Felton again, who examined us in 'Lucian's Dia-
logues ' as pleasant as ever. . . .
" Half-past Jive. The steps were filled with anxious youths
awaiting the appointed time, with anxious parents waiting also.
The clock struck six ; and not a sound was heard, so hushed were
all in terrible suspense, till at the head of the stairs a door was
heard to open, and forth there came a voice, more thrilling from
the unusual stillness all around, calling the first division to appear.
With throbbing hearts each hastened in; and the door was shut,
BIRTH AND EARLY EDUCATION. 7
till of a sudden such a noise was raised ! The first division tum-
bled down-stairs with papers in their hands, showing that they
were admitted. Then followed the second, and so on, with various
success, some with downcast looks and tearful eyes, and some
in ecstasy of delight. And next the fourth is called. With
palpitating breasts we entered the room, where round a table
were seated the faculty, and at the head the president, all
gazing on us. Then the president calls out, ' You are admitted on
condition of passing a satisfactory examination in Caesar before
the end of next vacation. You are to make up, before the end
of vacation, reduction of decimals, fractions, geometry. Charles
Lowe, you are admitted.' got in clear also. was put by
on geometry. , poor fellow, was sent away."
Such are the hopes and fears of a college-boy on examina-
tion da3 T , but fortunately it has little power to decide a
3'oung man's destiny in life. Many of "the last shall be
first, and the first last."
" Sept. 2. I have chosen the theoretical course of mathematics.
I went into the room of the French instructor, where I saw for
the first time Professor Longfellow. He is a very pleasant-speak-
ing man, very good-looking. This evening also we have bought
a bureau and mahogany book-case, and I have varnished them in
regular style. . . . Thursday, at twelve, recited our first lesson in
Greek. Like Felton as well as ever. I have received an invita-
tion to join the Institute."
Here is a little scene that illumines the grave picture of
first college-days :
" Oct. 9. This afternoon we went to walk over Brighton Bridge.
We cut across the pastures, and came on a field of watermelons.
Now we, thinking it a pity to see them rot, from purely benevolent
motives began a devastation. Pretty soon, as we were getting
under way in the eating thereof, up came the owner of the con-
cern with a wheelbarrow right to the pile (for they were piled up
in heaps, and covered with corn-husks) where we were eating, and
began very coolly to fill his wheelbarrow. We ' hoped we were
not intruding,' and told him we should think they would freeze,
etc ; and at last, finding him very pleasant, we told him we would
8 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
like to buy a melon. So he gave me two very good ones for Jive
cents. When we reached home we found all three of the fellows
there, and proceeded to examine the contents of the melon, and
found it very good, and, having despatched it, threw the rind, etc.,
out of the -window.
"Thursday, Oct. 10. Alas, unlucky melon! This morning,
after breakfast, in came our landlady, and sank into a chair quite
overcome. It seems that the girl who lives in the other part of the
house went out to the wood-house when we threw the melon, and
was in danger of being hit by the pieces. She declared she saw
us at the window throwing at her, while she called out for us to
stop. A petition to the faculty was being drawn up in behalf
of the injured girl versus our honorable selves, and Mrs. C
was iu a troubled state lest the reputation of her house should be
impaired. Now, all this may be imagined calculated to excite the
risibles of any human being. It certainly did excite my own.
However, I proceeded in laudable attempts to console our ' lady
of the house,' and to send, through her, some wholesome advice
to the claimant. With this ends this awful affair."
It is pleasant to find, that, in the midst of all the anxieties
of the first term, he had the spirit of fun in him, and a capa-
city to enjoj- himself.
" Monday, 14. Performed ' mighty deeds of agility and strength
in the gymnasium.' I cleared the horse, and jumped as high as
thirteen with spring-board. ... Wednesday, Dec. 4. Nothing
has happened this week, except the fuss of our themes. Tues-
day. Hurrah for home ! Got there in the midst of a snow-storm.
Had some sleigh-rides, and we had a party in the evening."
JOURNAL FOB TERM BEGINNING MARCH 1, 1846.
" To begin, our examination of last term passed off grandly.
. . . We went home in a drizzling rain. The girls were just off
r dancing-school. Every night almost, except Saturday and
Sunday, was occupied with dancing-parties. Last Friday night
there was a great 'bachelor's party' at the ' Swampscott.' We
danced until one o'clock in the morning. Had a supper and an
excellent time."
BIRTH AND EARLY EDUCATION. 9
The old Puritan town, we see, was not horrified with these
balls and other innocent amusements. The presence of so
many young men in a place would naturally bring about gaye-
ties, and the townspeople and the academy seem to have
joined in them always with great cordiality and harmony.
" Saturday, March 22, 1845. Tuesday of this week was a grand
time at Cambridge, being the day of the Navy Club procession.
First, the lord high admiral, who (for the sake of the future un-
sophisticated readers I say it) is generally the very poorest scholar
in the class, and was dressed in very handsome uniform, and
appeared well. Then came the leader of the marines ; then the
band; then P as boatswain, and a capital one he made, with
his duck trousers and flannel shirt, and his ' quid ' of tobacco, and
his swaggering gait. Then came the surgeon and chaplain, and
they did appear grandly. The surgeon (II ) was dressed in an
old hat and coat, with a part of a skeleton on his back, and an old
medicine-chest in his hand. The chaplain was in nearly as grand
a style. He wore a thick gray wig all down his neck and back, a
long black robe, and carried in his hand an open book, or rather
a cigar-box in the shape of a book. Then came the old salts, who
have never had a part at any exhibition ; then B as horse-
marine. He was dressed well, and mounted on a fine horse. Then
came the ' Digs ' in Oxford caps and black dress-coats, and they
looked finely. Last came the rear-admiral, the laziest fellow in
the class. He was dressed richly in a suit bespangled with gold,
made after the Oriental style; and he wore a crown on his head.
Two niggers carried a sedan chair for him, and another bore his
pipe; and, on the whole, he, as did they all, looked grandly. . . .
" Thursday, June 26. I have been very unwell for a week or so;
but I am considerably better, and think that exercise will restore
me. . . .
" Wednesday. I started for my aunt's at Northborough, Mass.
There was no coach at the depot; and so I set out to foot it, taking
it leisurely, picking raspberries by the way, when a boy overtook
me in a wagon, and landed me at the door. Unfortunately it
rained all day Thursday, so they could not begin haying; but we
found the squirrels were eating up the apples and cherries, and so
we went to shooting them. I myself killed above fifteen; and
strange to say, although I had seldom fired a gun, I only missed
10 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
aim three times out of all the times I fired. Friday was a glorious
hay-day; and after I had picked a peck of cherries, besides eating,
I went a-haying. That is the way we passed our 4th of July,
independent, at least. . . .
"Sunday. Heard two fine sermons from Dr. Walker to-day,
one of them the senior's farewell sermon; but to-night I have
heard one from Rev. A. P. Peabody, which was the best sermon I
ever heard, and I have never been so much interested in any thing
in my life."
So ends our first chapter of college-life, with its trepida-
tions, its successes, its frolics, and its fatigues, a good
type, perhaps, of life that is to come later.
CHAPTER II.
SECOND YEAR OF COLLEGE.
1845, 1846, 1847.
1845, White Mountains Journey . Letters from Friends. Col-
lege Pranks. Inauguration of President Everett. Closing
Term. -Home again. Webster at Faneuil Hall. 1847, Col-
lege Cabals.
"TOURING this year he took an excursion to the White
-I' Mountains in company with a party made up of his
own family and townspeople. Some sketches here and there
may be interesting, as giving us a glance into the good
old days at the White Mountains before the railroads had
impertinently pushed their way into those lovely solitudes
with luggage and fashion ; when the old stage-coaches rolled
up and down the hills, and turned out the jolly passengers at
the country taverns, to eat their simple meals with rc>3'al
appetites, or dashed around the village streets, awing the
country-folk with the smart crack of their whips. A few
glimpses also of a young man's habits in travelling give us
somewhat the key to his future character.
" POBTLAND, July 29, 1845. 5 o'clock (en route').
" I have just finished dressing, and am waiting for the others to
get up. They don't seem to be very brisk this morning. At six
o'clock we sat down to breakfast, and had hardly got through when
we were told that the stage-coach was at the door. So we hurried,
and prepared ourselves, and down we went. There were two other
coaches loaded down as heavily as ours. It was eight o'clock
12 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
before we were fairly under way, and on the road to Conway. . . .
Our stopping-place was at Gorham. At this place, say the old
chronicles, at the ordination of the first Orthodox minister, a
great festival was held. The records state the quantities of wine,
cider, brandy, and rum consumed on the occasion. . . . While
speaking of this day's journey it would be a shame not to mention
the person who contributed more than any one else to our enjoy-
ment, who enlivened us with his wit, and showed us all the won-
derful sights, and was, in fact, so very pleasant, that we could not
help enjoying ourselves. This was no less a personage than our
driver. He was very accommodating; and he gave up his seat to
us, and sat down himself on the foot-board, letting his legs and
feet hang down in front. We noticed that the soles of his boots,
which were pegged, were gaping open. 'Well, there!' he ex-
claimed, ' going down these pesky hills, and having nothing to
brace my feet on, I have pressed so hard against nothing that I
have pushed the sole of my boot off.' . . . Came to 'Cascade's
Flume,' then to 'Tom Crawford's.' At first he did not strike
us very favorably; but we soon found that his gruff exterior was
only a vehicle of his wit, and liked him very much. In the morn-
ing, when we woke, it was very cloudy; but our guide and Craw-
ford both prophesied a fair day. As soon as there were any signs
of its clearing off we were mounted and on our way single file,
the three girls in the centre, with the guide by their side. The
rest of the party were the 'Judge,' ' Chancellor,' ' Doctor,' B ,
O , G , S , my father, Mr. G , and myself. I have
no doubt, as we started from the house, we presented a fine appear-
ance. I had a very fine horse, 'White Johnny.' M had a
famous mountain horse, ' Old Kitt;' but he bit his hand badly.
M O had Bonaparte's ' Bona.' G had a little cropped-
eared Canadian, who was very appropriately called ' Paddy.' He
was terribly lazy, and G couldn't make him go at all. He
would lag behind. But he knew the guide's voice; and once every
little while the guide would come up from behind, and cry out,
'Look out, Paddy! I'm coming!' and the beast would prick up
his stumps of ears, and set out in a run, splashing through the
mud, scampering over the rocks, and setting us all into a roar of
laughter. The other horses were grand ones. We were all in
high spirits, and enjoying ourselves much. The girls were par-
icularly lively, and not in the least frightened."
SECOND TEAS OF COLLEGE. 13
What a contrast to the present method of visiting the
White Mountains, or even the Alps, where every arrange-
ment is devised by engineer and railroad corporation to pre-
vent travellers from exerting themselves ! People now see
a great deal morethan their fathers saw, but the quality of
their seeing is to be questioned. These glimpses of early
travel may pleasantly remind many of his friends of golden
days, when a laugh came as easily as the brook runs, and
there was just enough danger to make them all heroes.
" It was cloudy going up the mountain, so that we could see
nothing. The moment that we reached the top, the clouds broke
away, giving us a glorious sight. It was clear-blue sky above us,
and the clouds were rolling beneath our feet. Jt was truly a mag-
nificent scene. A large eagle was soaring round the summit of
the mountain beneath us. We took our dinner, which my horse
brought for the party, on the top of Mount Washington round a
fine spring of water; and if it was not as good a meal as was
being served up in some places more fashionable than this, yet
I'll be bound to say it tasted as good to us. ... When we got
back to the house at night we must have been a pretty sight,
pants that were white in the morning, and boots that shone bright
when we started, all covered with mud; our horses bespattered
and jaded, and all but the riders themselves in a woful plight.
They were all in high spirits, laughing and singing, ' not in the
least fatigued,' and almost ready to start again.
" We began the next day to talk over our ails. We were sun-
burnt or frost-bitten, we couldn't tell which. Our faces were in
such a state that we were laughable creatures to behold. We tried
to laugh at each other, but soon gave that up; for our skin was all
drawn together so that we couldn't laugh without great pain,
and we could only keep quiet, and grin a little and grunt. . . .
At eight o'clock we started for Fabyan's; from Fabyan's to the en-
trance of the Notch. Saw the profile in the rock of the Old Man
of the Mountain. Next we came to the Basin. ... In the morn-
ing, before breakfast, my father and I went a-fishing. The men
assured us that we should get nothing, but we caught a dozen fish
for breakfast. After breakfast we set out for the Flume and Pool.
We had fine sport helping the girls over the bushes. The scenery
14 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
was grand. ... We descended, ladies and all, by a ladder, nearly
to the water. We boys began a romp among the rocks. We were
delighted to discover the 'cave,' and were foolish enough to
crawl through a hole about twelve feet long, and a foot and a half
in diameter, because we saw light at the end. The cave, it must
be confessed, was not a wonderful one. We tried which could
jump over the wildest place, and which could come nearest to
breaking his neck without doing it. \Ve had a ' great ' time."
Enviable hours of youth, when it took so little, only a
breath of fresh air, a mountain summit, a waterfall, or a sim-
ple joke of a friend, to make ripples of light and joy run
over the soul ! It will not be worth our while to follow the
young man through all his journey to Plymouth, Centre Har-
bor, etc. Sunday at Centre Harbor he writes,
" Went to church. We had a decent sermon; but the audience
was enough to discourage a minister, a motley group of citizens
in general, who came in without any order, some of them after
the sermon was half through. ... In the P.M., after church, we
visited a new house which a young lawyer was building. We
almost got out of him that he was going to take a wife. Monday
we set off for Red Hill. My horse Tiger was a perfect 'creature,
young, hardly broken, between a chestnut and a sorrel, with a
beautiful arched neck; and he pranced so proudly, it was worth
a journey to ride such an animal. He would go like the wind,
and from that any pace down to a walk, and all so easy you
would not be moved in your seat. He was a glorious animal ! . . .
In coming down the mountain I went ahead on my ' beauty,' and
trotted down before the rest of the company."
So the journey finishes with sails on the beautiful Lake
Winnipiseogee, hungry parties, dashes of rain, crowded
stage-coach, and rollicking travellers, who neared home, all
feeling probably like the young man who wrote this journal,
"that they never enjoyed themselves so well before, and
never expected to again."
He was now at the beginning of his second term at college.
He complains in his journal of the "bore and bustle" of
SECOND YEAE OF COLLEGE. 15
getting furniture, and settling down in their room with a
sofa, two rocking-chairs, a bureau, dressing-table, two tables
and book-case, pictures, etc., luxurious for those times;
but Harvard students now would hardly be satisfied. He is
not quite contented with his "entry," for he believes that
their "oil and coal go very fast." His studies* have been
pleasant, but he looks upon the term as a hard one. He
goes to see Murdock in " Hamlet," and soon joins another
society, and was initiated into its secrets. At their first
meeting the question for debate was, " Is domestic happiness
compatible with genius?" which question, we are happy to
say, was decided in the affirmative. He appears to have been
on intimate terms with one or two hospitable families in Bos-
ton ; and there he often went to dine, or pass an evening.
"We find him jotting down in his journal that he had been
reading Hazlitt's " Table Talk," Mackintosh's " History of
England." Then he complains that he does not feel very
well, and goes to the apothecary's to " get some medicine to
give him a sweat." Pity he had not yet learned that Nature
gets up a much better perspiration than any drugs, if he
would let her have her own pla} T in his system, and not
hedge her in too tight with books and coal-stoves ! He
found this out as he went on in life. We have some remi-
niscences from friends at this period. In this biographj- we
shall choose from letters generally those parts which give
us the facts we want, or a new insight into character and
life. If the following extracts from the letters of a brother-
in-law, the Rev. J. M. Marsters, seem too eulogistic, we
trust we may be pardoned for inserting them, as it is hard to
separate the fact from the feeling ; and in the nearness of
the relationship they illustrate the truth that familiarity with
the good does not " breed contempt."
" I am sorry that the years you have given me to sketch of
Charles illustrate so imperfectly his genuine greatness as a man
of heart and action. You know my opinion of Charles, lie was
the finest being I ever met with, or ever expect to meet with.
16 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
There was in him such hearty love, such overpowering desire to
do for others at all times and in all conditions of body, such a
clear, luminous head to guard him, and such charming gentleness,
that he seemed an exception to humanity. We can say of him,
what we can say of few, that he was wholly beautiful in char-
acter; and this beauty had part of its charm to me, because it
was made up of two moral elements which all have, and can use
if they will, first, a desire to do right, and second, a cease-
less industry His conscience was with him a gentle omnipres-
ence, and his business faculty was very great. It kept him at
work when only a few drops of good blood were in his wasted
body.
" Xow, a college-life cannot give very great room for these traits
to work in. And yet, because of these traits, how clear and pleas-
ant is my vision of him while in college ! He entered the class of
1844 as a sophomore, and graduated the fourth of his class, speak-
ing at commencement the salutatory in Latin in a fine manly
way. He was not a great scholar, for even then disease was press-
ing its fingers on his life. But his clear mind made him among
the foremost in the sciences, and his themes had many fine
sentences. Our rooms adjoined in the Hoi worthy building; and
many a glorious evening we passed together, walking in the moon-
light, leaping out of our dyspepsia, lolling and laughing on our
sofas, or teasing the sense out of Greek choruses, and half frenzied
in finding out the laws of magnetism and electricity. But, as I
said, he was not strong; and often before recitation I had to wake
him up out of a sound sleep. Ours was a class torn with little
feuds and warfares; but Charles never mingled in the fight, but
always kept aloof and good-natured. In fact, he was a little un-
popular sometimes, because he would never take sides in a class-
fight.
" Five or six of us used to have capital frolics encamped on Salis-
bury Beach. We boated, gunned, fished, swam, and sang dread-
ful music to the rocks and lobsters at evening. But there was lots
of work to be done, and we all wanted play. But Charles, weak
as he was, and loving to lie on the warm sand in the sun, was
always doing the work of the rest. It was his incessant and
sublime instinct to be doing for others. \Ye were very glad to eat
the chowder, and to feel the broad waves tilt over our boat; but he
was at the oar, and received also our praises as a capital cook. If
SECOND YEAR OF COLLEGE. 17
he could only look off on those blue spaces, and breathe the fine
air, he was happy enough to help us to laziness and a good
time.
" In Exeter, and in the paternal house, he was the same Charles.
Coming home from Cambridge, at once, after an hour or two of
greeting and talking with the family, he would seize the pruning-
knife, and fly to the grape-vine to trim it, or take his pail to pick
the raspberries in the garden for supper, or gather the apples from
the orchard."
Six weeks later he records that he had been home on a
vacation. There was good sleighing, and he "turned out
to shovel snow." His forensic kept hanging on his mind,
but the ideas wouldn't come. His friend and classmate,
now Judge Savage of Nebraska, thus speaks of him at this
time :
" Lacking some two or three years of the average age of his
classmates, and being of a delicate constitution, he took little part
in the boisterous plays of his companions, but still evinced an
ardent interest in all the contests, the rivalries, successes, failures,
amusements, escapades, and other momentous concerns of student-
life. He was never hilarious, never despondent. He was a listener
rather than a talker, but listened so eagerly, and with such a
bright and earnest face, that he seemed to talk more than he did."
This habit of listening well to what other people said, he
carried with him through life ; although, as he assumed re-
sponsibilities, he lost in a great measure that extreme mod-
esty which characterized his youth. We quote a little more
of Judge Savage's letter :
" Very soon after entering college he began to take a high posi-
tion as a classical scholar. Class rank m those remote days was
divided into ' eights.' He was assigned a part in the junior exhi-
bition in the autumn of 1845, and rendered into Greek a portion
of Cicero's oration for the poet Archias. This would indicate, if
I recollect right, that he occupied a place in the second eight. A
year later he had a Latin oration ; and at commencement he was
honored with the Latin salutatory, showing that he had advanced
18 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
in the interval from the second to a place high up in the first
eight."
"We follow on with his journal at this period :
" March, 1846. The term is passing quite pleasantly and rap-
idly. The parts were given out last Saturday for the May exhi-
bition. Great excitement. The H. P. C. elected C . The
students refused to have an inauguration ball, unless on condition
of having wine, which the faculty would not agree to. ...
" Monday night. B was in my room. We were trying
optical experiments, proving 'the colors of their plates,' etc. It
occurred to us to transfer the black from the plates to our faces.
We gave ourselves in a short time mustaches, imperial, and eye-
brows black; and then, disguising ourselves in whatever we could
lay our hands on, we went and called on several fellows in their
rooms, and had some capital sport. S was in bed. He
jumped up, and wrapped himself in his sheet, and went into some
rooms with us. The fellows rushed after us with lights, etc., and
we stalked out of their rooms without their offering to touch us;
but, when we got to the door, we ran, and that set them after us.
They caught us in the entry, and stripped us of our disguise, and,
when they found us out, let us go. Just as we had gone, the proc-
tor came out to see what was the matter. Our object was, not to
frighten any one, but to have some sport.
" Sunday, May 3. The past week has perhaps been the most
interesting that I shall ever see in Cambridge. The inauguration
came off Thursday. When Mr. Everett began his inaugural ad-
dress, a rustling was heard, and Daniel Webster appeared on the
stage. For some minutes nothing could be heard but cheering and
clapping, and the galleries were a sea of waving handkerchiefs.
When it was still again, Everett commenced by saying he wished
he could begin, exercising the ancient prerogative of his new office,
by calling upon our illustrious friend who has just appeared by
'expectatur oratio in lingua vernacula.' But it could not be.
After a few remarks on Harvard, he began on the subject of aca-
demical studies. It was a magnificent display of eloquence. In
the course of his oration he again happily alluded to the great
statesman and orator. Speaking of the Latin and Greek languages
as aids in the senate and council, he exclaimed, addressing Web-
SECOND TEAR OF COLLEGE. 19
ster, ' Tell us, sir, you -who need them less than anybody else, if
they are not of unspeakable advantage ? ' This was the occasion
of another burst of enthusiastic applause. Such an assembly of
distinguished men I never saw before. . . . The illumination
was a fine sight. ' Welcome, Everett,' was written in the chapel
windows. Fireworks were sent off. The grand climax was the
singing of a hundred and fifty students. Forty out of fifty seniors
who were in Cambridge were pretty 'tight,' and many out of the
other classes."
We let this last clause in the journal stand, hoping the
present statistics of Cambridge may show an improvement
in this respect.
" Sunday, May 31. The parts were given out yesterday. P
got the first part. . . . The mock parts of the Sophs were some of
them very good. If, however, they show correctly the feelings of
the class towards each other, there can be little good will and affec-
tion for each other among the fellows. Some were called fools,
some jackanapes, some scamps. Ninety parts were read, and
hardly one of them was any thing but severe upon some one or
other. Honors flow in fast. On one Friday I was elected treas-
urer of the institute ($100 in debt); the next was chosen mem-
ber of the society, which last honor I saw fit to decline. I have
had announced to me the past week a very pleasant but unexpected
honor, that I was chosen member of the P. B. K. Society. ... I
have been reading Webster's speeches lately. The term is near its
close."
The vacation, he says in his journal, passed pleasantly.
He describes a journey he took with his father to New York.
The next week we find him at home helping make something
to decorate a fair, and nailing flags and tying evergreen for
several days.
"Aug. 29. We came back to college. Our P. B. K. oration
and dinner was the richest treat I ever experienced. At the din-
ner were speeches by J. Q. Adams, President Quincey, everybody,
Oh, it was grand!
" 10 o'clock, P.M., Nov. 6. Memorable! I have just come out
from Boston, from hearing Webster in Faneuil Hall. It has been
20 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
a rich treat to me. We had an opportunity of seeing Webster in
his glory. He was speaking of the war in terms befitting it. A
voice in the gallery cried out, Who voted for the war ? ' Then
such a look as Webster gave! That was the best specimen of act-
ing I had seen. * Who voted for the war? Nobody voted for it.
The President made it without any voting for it.' The look
showed us Webster. He needed something of the sort to rouse
him. We could form some faint conception of his powers."
We find a break in his journal for a couple of months, and
then he takes it up again in 1847. He speaks of the strug-
gle and intriguing going on in his class for honors, and, in
the words of a friend, says it is " fun for the million," show-
ing that he kept pretty much out of it. Then comes vaca-
tion again. We learn, among other things in his journal,
that he goes to dancing-school twice a week, and once a
week to lyceum. Made one or two gunning excursions.
It is pleasant to find that he had such a capacity to enjoy,
although he had so many physical drawbacks. This capacity
he carried through life, having a nervous energy which bore
him through emergencies, although he often broke down when
the occasion was past.
Part of his time during this vacation lie spends in " join-
ering," making little repairs on the homestead, etc. These
habits, though taken up without any special system, and
merely with the instinct to be useful, really accustomed him
to the use of tools, of which his father always had a great
variety ; so that, after he became a householder, he always
knew how to turn his band to any little thing that needed to
be done, and saved the housekeeper from many a moment of
perplexity or embarrassment. Now he is back again at
Cambridge. He concludes to give up mathematics for Latin.
He had, however, a great taste for mathematics. The sub-
ject of class orator and poet was engrossing all their atten-
tion at this period. His friend S , he felt sure, would be
orator. The electioneering for poet, he says, " goes on vio-
lently." He is undecided, and thinks he may cast a blank
SECOND YEAR OF COLLEGE. 2l
vote. Both parties were in an excited state, not over-scrupu-
lous in the means emploj-ed ; and he cannot make up his
mind to encourage either. The struggle goes on. His class-
mates come to him, and beg his name on both sides. He
sees all the high pressure and the soreness. " Poor
and ! " He is sorry to disappoint them, but he cannot
like the way they are working : it is not straightforward.
" What a world is this we live in ! " His journal ends that
night with the above reflection. Another day he says he was
"tackled" by different classmates again, who "didn't like
the idea of his remaining neutral ; " one coaxing him to talk
with another, in order to convince him on that side. We
cannot see from his journal, which narrates the struggle
somewhat minutely, any spirit of censoriousness or isola-
tion, any want of sympathy. " Poor ! " he often says,
on either side, " I should like to have promised him my vote
for his man." Things got to such a point, that, when he saw
them rushing into his room, he told them he didn't want to
hear any more on the subject. The next day, Sunday, he
says, "did not prevent active measures from going on all
day. A perfect fever of excitement." On Monday, March
22, the election was over. The excitement was tremendous.
The recitations were poor, but the meeting was quite orderly.
S , his friend, was unanimously chosen orator, and
R , after a hard-fought contest, as poet. Saturday there
was a bonfire on University steps, which raised a great com-
motion ; and the alarm was even rung in Boston. Here
ends this chapter of a college-boy's life.
CHAPTER III.
TALK OF A PROFESSION.
1847-1848.
Indecision. College Strifes. Consults Dr. Walker. Examina-
tion. Parts given out. Leave-Takings. Extracts from
Letters Home. Law-Offlce of Hon. Amos Tuck. Mr. Tuck's
Letter. Exeter Gossip. Journey West.
WE come now to the most perplexing period in a young
man's life, when he is making up his inind what he
is going to do. We quote from his journal :
" I am in continual doubt and anxiety about my choice of a
profession. M is talking to me strongly to persuade me not
to be an engineer. He says that it will not afford scope enough
for my talent ! !
" The study of books which is called for in the other professions
makes them more noble. And it is true, perhaps, from the supe-
rior discipline they would give, the better and more refined asso-
ciates they would furnish, that the other professions deserve the
preference. M insists that I ought to be a lawyer. Now, in
the first place, I think that I have not the shrewdness, tact, off-
hand way, business-like character, which the practice of the law
requires. Second, there are many things connected with it which
I should not like; viz , the dealings with the low, quarrelsome
part of the community, and the petty details which must be at-
tended to, and the close confinement which would be required.
Third, and chiefly, considered as a means of perfecting the moral
character, I am afraid that the law is behind the other professions
generally; so many low ways must be resorted to, if I understand
the matter; so often conscience stands in the way of interest well
TALK OF A PROFESSION. 23
understood, and is in danger of being made to yield to it. These
things must make the law a dangerous profession. Besides, the
society of cunning lawyers must be pernicious. I am rather afraid
of it."
"We must remember that these are the reflections of a boy
not yet nineteen j-ears old, and judge them accordingly.
"The ministry, on the other hand, has many objections. In
the first place, I am worse fitted for that, I am afraid, than the
law. Writing sermons would be exceedingly difficult. Second, it
is not a sufficiently active life for me. Third, I do not know
enough about it to judge whether the discipline would be alto-
gether superior to that of the law, in a moral sense of the term,
as at first sight seems. . . .
" Sunday, April 4. Spent the evening in reading the life of
Henry Ware, jun. . . . The more I think of the matter, the more
I am convinced, that, after all, the individual himself must decide
for himself what shall be his profession. ... I find that of late
I am growing into the habit of indulging in speculating about the
future without attending enough to the present. ... It continu-
ally occurs to me, that the most glorious reputation imaginable is
that of being righteous and virtuous and Christian-like; and, more-
over, that such a character is clearly the one which will most cer-
tainly secure success and admiration; and that accordingly, even
looking at life in the light of mere worldly interest, such a charac-
ter is the one to be sought after. . . . Will it not be an excellent
plan, if I can follow it, to think over what I have done for the day,
and from that conclude what I must improve in, and to note down
in my journal the reflections suggested? Besides the other obvious
advantages resulting from the habit, I shall improve my memory,
which is exceedingly poor."
Tuesday, April 6. This day's journal is taken up with the
accounts of a second bonfire kindled on the steps of Uni-
versity Hall. The president was very sore upon the matter,
and unusually severe. " It seems a hard thing," our stu-
dent says, " to imprison a boy for a bonfire."
He wants now to change his boarding-place, but does not
like to go on account of his landlady, " because he will break
24 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
up the table." Thursday, Fast evening, he records quite an
conversation in a classmate's room.
t< g _ gaid he would rather have the reputation of an inferior
lawyer than that of a great lawyer who was intriguing, or rather
false and unscrupulous. I was delighted to hear S - speak as
he did. He will probably act so."
Sunday he speaks of hearing two very fine sermons, but
was " too tired to do much, the effect of a horseback-ride
yesterday;" thus, like many an older student of life, sit-
ting too long still during the week, and then over-exercising
to pay for it at the end. It is curious to see what the ride
was. He went through Charlestown and Boston, out through
Roxbury and Jamaica Plain to Dedham, strolled round the
place, came home through Brookline and Brighton ; in all
making, he thinks, twenty-eight miles, and on a hard-trot-
ting and hard-bitted horse. Yet he had " a grand good
time." A new struggle comes up in the class for secre-
tary of the P. B. K. He thinks some of them may feel a
little hostile towards him, but has no personal feeling against
any of them. He narrates the struggle and the general talk
about rank in the class, and says "he doesn't care much
whether he has the third above the fourth part or not. He
certainly wouldn't quarrel for it." The strife and intriguing
seem even to be carried to the landlady's table, where some
of them appear to speculate with her price for board, and
put up her fare to the highest bidder. " What an account
I have written to-night of our fellows ! " he says, with a tone
of self-reproach ; " and yet, as I am but an indifferent spec-
tator, there is reason to think it is all true." This jour-
nal was written for his own eye. The escapades of youth are
not always to be remembered. We know how noble the
class proved to be in the future, and can only regret that
fierce spirit of rivalry which seems to be inseparable often
from great educational institutions. He records the fact
that he is now within six weeks of the end of his college-
TALK OF A PROFESSION. 25
course, and is jet undecided as to his profession. Sunday,
June 13, he decides to go and, consult Dr. Walker.
" I went and found the doctor in his study. . . . He asked about
my theme-marks, and did not think so badly of them as I myself;
said that it was very rare for one of my age to have such a style,
so fixed a one ; that it was not a running one, but short and crispy.
He rather liked it, and thought it might be forcible. But, after
all, said he, these pretty points are not to be looked at. The only
way to decide is, to look at the general nature of the professions;
to read the life of some distinguished minister, and then that of
some good lawyer, and see which I should feel most like being,
and decide from that. And he said, think also what you were
intended for. He did not believe in many instances of direct inti-
mation from God; but in the choice of a profession in life, he did
believe in it.
" Sunday, July 4. So near through. The term is passing off
like a dream. One examination over; three more, and we are
through. Marks are now in great demand. Some of the fellows
are tickled as a child with them, almost insane for them.
" Sunday, July 11. This is my last Sunday in Cambridge.
Examinations were over Thursday. M has found out about
the parts, and told me that I had got the fourth instead of the
third part, and the Latin oration. I was not much disappointed,
though the fellows generally seem to be ; and I have been gratified
by finding that many are sorry. I won a bet my only one
on my failure to get the third."
We are able to fill up a gap in his journal here by quot-
ing a little more from the letter of his classmate, Judge Sav-
age, which lets us into his summer life at this time :
" In the summer of 1846 I visited him at his home in Exeter.
It was my first visit to that beautiful town, and his unaffected but
zealous hospitality made it a charming one. ... I was easily per-
suaded in the ensuing year to form with him a little party of five
or six fellows of the class for a summer excursion to the beach.
College-days were over. Commencement parts had been assigned;
and a few weeks of vacation intervened before we were to go back
to Cambridge, deliver our speeches, and launch out into the world.
We met in Exeter. M , M , S , Charley Lowe, and I
26 MEMOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
drove from there on a bright summer morning to Hampton Falls ;
and thence, a goodly company, we
Sailed down through the winding-way
Of Hampton River
to the rocks of Rivermouth, then unsung by the poet. There we
pitched our tent in view of the sunny isles and the grizzly head
of the Boar, and for five days hunted, bathed, dropped our lines
in the lazy tide, read, talked, laughed, visited the Shoals and the
Boar's Head, forgot college-tasks, and ceased to think of the un-
known future. Ignorant that the spot would be immortalized, we
christened it Hornby, and for years afterwards made it the scene of
every strange or improbable story that occurred to us. Twice we
were in imminent danger, once from the upsetting of our boat,
and once by venturing over to Boar's Head for water in a gale so
violent, that an old boatman, who was afterwards lost on the very
spot, solemnly, but in vain, cautioned us not to return. Through-
out this happy, careless week, Lowe was genial, thoughtful for
others, and full of enjoyment. I remember, as characteristic of
him, that one day, when it had fallen to my lot to prepare dinner,
I had the misfortune to burn the chowder, a dish which I had
boasted of my skill in preparing. The others bewailed their lost
meal, and scoffed at the cook; but Charley partook of it, and pro-
nounced it not bad. Some weeks later he confessed that it had
made him so sick that he had never since thought of chowder with-
out disgust.
" Not long afterwards we separated in the college-yard, I to
enter upon a new life in Georgia, and he to pursue his studies in
his happy home; and we never met again, except for a hasty greet-
ing and fare well."
" Friday, Oct. 1, 1847. To-day I have lived over my whole
senior year, and at last have more decidedly than ever before bid
farewell to Harvard. "This morning I went to the station, and
bade farewell to C. G. S , who has gone to Chicago, perhaps
ttle there for life. We have separated for the first time in
We were always spoken of together while in Exeter at
school, rivals at the academy, chums in college, constantly together
in our college vacations. I think of the present situation of our
1 scattered everywhere, and I, especially, left alone here.
really felt and feel more melancholy than 1 ever have before at
TALK OF A PEOFESSION. 27
the thought of a separation. May they prosper one and all, and
may we ever be united in friendship, and may we have the delight
to hear of each other's success in life! "
We find our young student on our next view of him in
the law-office of the late Hon. Amos Tuck of Exeter. He
had no fixed intention of making the law his profession, but
he desired to be doing something for the exercise of his
mind. This was a fine opportunity for him to be under the
influence of a revered neighbor and active professional man ;
and such was his promptness, that we find from his letters
that he had actually begun to study there in the month of
September before he had taken up his relations with Cam-
bridge, October, 1847. We give here a passage from a let-
ter of Mr. Tuck, which will let us into the student's life at
this time better than any thing we find among his papers :
"Within a year after his leaving college in 1847, he became
a student-at-law in the office of myself and partner; and I had
opportunity of personal intimacy with him. I then for the first
time became impressed with those extraordinary traits which up
to that time only his intimate friends had knowledge of. He
had already taken a broad view of the duties and obligations of
life, and had so chastened the ambitions which usually inspire and
captivate young men of superior ability as to cheerfully bend all
his plans towards preparation for the accomplishment of the great-
est amount of good. He had undertaken the study of the law for
a time, only to make broad the foundation of thorough education,
without any purpose of devotion to the practice of the profession.
He went through the books of early study in the profession in a
faithful and successful manner, cheerfully submitting to a study
of those intricacies which are usually regarded by young students
as offensive, if not useless, drudgery. He was thorough, faithful,
and patient in application, and during the year of study in our
office, besides general culture, acquired that knowledge of the his-
tory of law and jurisprudence in England and America which
materially added to the accomplishments and liberal endowments
for which he became afterwards distinguished. The benignity of
his countenance, the remarkable quickness of his perceptions, his
vivacity and activity of intellect, his sweetness of demeanor an
28 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
gentle delicacy, are remembered by me with great distinctness
and unfading appreciation. ... He seemed to approach so near
to the pattern of perfect Christian manliness, as well then as after-
wards, that it is greatly to be hoped that his character and example
will be embalmed, not only in the hearts of those who personally
knew and loved him, but also in the lives of those who may have
opportunity to read a memoir of his life."
We get some little glimpses at his life the beginning of
this year of study through letters to his friend S in
Georgia. He goes up to Brunswick commencement, and
made himself " known to the brethren there," and assures
his friend that he was "made a great deal of," that they
didn't let him go out of their sight, gave him tickets to so-
ciety levees, got him acquainted with " nice folks, professors
and all," and assigned to him " about the best girl in town
to wait on at one of the levees." He attributes a good part
of these attentions to the fact of his being his friend's class-
mate. He is now settled down, he says, among those who
get their living " by the quarrels of men," and enjoys him-
self very much. He reads Blackstone two or three hours a
day. The rest of the time he spends with history, mathemat-
ics, and Latin, except the time he passes in the garden and
riding horseback. Another letter a month or two later gives
us a peep into Exeter life. They were settling a new min-
ister. "Ask anybody what is the news here," he says,
" and the question is the same as though you asked, ' What
is the last thing sent to the minister? ' " "It would be a
satisfactory answer "if " A leg of bacon " should be the re-
ply. Exeter, we see, had not yet outgrown the good old-
fashioned ways when the minister's personal wants were dear
to every soul in his parish, and when he was one of the most
important persons in the town. "The minister," he says,
" has been married, examined, ordained, installed, has fitted
up a new house and moved into it, all in less than a week."
In June of the following year, 1848, we find him record-
ing in his journal that he " was not very well in the spring ; "
\
TALK OF A PBOFESSION. 29
and by the advice of his father he set out on a journey to
"Washington and the South- West in company with his beloved
former teacher, Professor J. Gr. Hoyt of Exeter Academy.
The journal is quite complete, giving us an account of each
day's sight-seeings, but too lengthy to record here. A letter
written at this time it will be interesting to quote a little
from ; because it shows us, that, in spite of his tendency to
work, be had some rare opportunities for travel, and in
places where the ordinary tourist does not go :
" We were gone from St. Louis a little more than a fortnight,
and had the most glorious time possible. Most of the way the
only indications of the road were marks on the trees. Part of it
the compass was our only guide, and it made quite an agreeable
variety sometimes to lose our way in the woods. We floundered
along sometimes in mud up to the belly of our horses, fearing
every minute to come to a place with 110 bottom at all. A story
we had just heard about this place did not lessen our uneasiness.
A man, cautioning us how we travelled that way, said that once,
going along there, he saw a man's head sticking out of the mud,
who startled him by crying out, 'Tread softly there, stranger!
there's another man under me!' And that, he told us, wasn't so
bad as some places where there is no bottom at all. However, we
kept within soundings; and about half-past nine, after getting so
nearly used up, horses and riders, that we began to look about for
a dry place to camp in, we spy a light ahead, and were soon com-
fortably lodged in an old log cabin. We visited most of the min-
eral districts in Missouri and Southern Illinois, iron, lead, and
coal. The most wonderful was the iron mountain, a mile square
and five hundred feet in height, of which the entire surface, and
probably the interior also, is solid ore, yielding seventy per cent
fine iron. Two weeks ago I left St. Louis for Chicago. There
were three agreeable young ladies in the party, one of whom could
sing like a lark. What afforded us the most sport was an old
man on board who had just married a sprightly young girl of six-
teen. She would keep with the young folks, and flirt with the
young beaux ; and it was fun for the whole boat to see how the
jealous old fellow would watch us, and use all sorts of pretexts to
get her away from us. . . . Particularly pleasant was the last night,
when we raked up an old fiddle, and danced all the evening."
CHAPTER IV.
THE CHOICE MADE.
1848.
Plan of Study with Dr. Peabody of Portsmouth. Dull Spirits.
Muster-Training. Exeter Society.
WE come now to a portion of his diar}' begun after he
had made up his mind what should be his calling in
life:
" Exeter, Sunday, Sept. 3, 1848. I have at length begun in ear-
nest my preparation for usefulness in life, and have made a final
choice of my profession. It has been a weight upon my mind
ever since leaving college, and prevented my gaining much profit
or enjoyment from the past year. I find myself now, I fear, little
farther advanced in knowledge. . . . One great cause of my fail-
ure to improve, I trace to my habit of indulging in reveries.
What particularly induced this, though I trace it back to the days
of college and school-boy life, has been the indecision with respect
to my profession."
This state of mind so common to young men after leaving
college, and often so unavoidable, he spoke of in after-life.
He thought it should be prolonged as little as possible, and
that every encouragement should be given to a young man,
unless his days were filled up by imperative duties or pur-
suits, to make choice at once of a vocation. He was, how-
ever, gaining more character than his sensitive conscience
would allow in that law-office in Exeter, as we have already
seen from Mr. Tuck's letter. The journal goes on a little
farther in the same strain :
THE CHOICE MADE, 31
" I felt that the law was not to be my ultimate pursuit, and thus
my studies were robbed of their interest in a great degree; and
my habit of depending too much on others made me wandering;
and the fretting and uneasiness caused by thinking much on this
subject has worn upon my spirits."
It is evident that he was not only losing his brightness,
but his health, by this state of indecision. He was proba-
bly feeling also the effects of his sedentary life at college.
A healthy body and mind ought to be able to lie fallow
a while without harm or restlessness.
" But let me put away the habit of indulging in these reflections
on the past, and anticipations of the future. They have long
enough trifled away my time. . . . Whether the profession I have
chosen is the one for which I am fitted, God knows; but, if I make
a right use of my powers in the way that my conscience directs,
I am satisfied that in the end I shall have the reward of peace of
mind and approval of conscience, the marks of God's favor,
which are the richest rewards of goodness. . . . The chief thing
which influenced me, I confess it, in deciding on my present course
of study, was the consciousness of duty owed to my parents, and
duty so far neglected, and which, if I fail to perform now, will be
a reproach to me through life."
It is difficult to conceive of these sensitive consciences that
find unfaithfulness in themselves where others see no trace
of it. But there was nothing morbid in his nature. He
knew himself better than any one else did. A young man,
an only son, at college four years, does demand some sacri-
fice from his parents, apart from pecuniary considerations.
They are obliged to give up his society a large part of the
year. He is absorbed in pursuits and friendships which they
do not much share ; and, even with the most faithful sons,
there is the feeling, when the boy goes out from his home to
the university, that they have lost him. This boy's heart
was so tender, and his instincts were so unerring, that he
felt all this, and wished to make up for his long absences
from the dear old roof. His plan now ripens :
32 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
" This, so far as I now understand it, is to be my plan for the
following half a year. I am to take the course laid out for the
students in Cambridge. Studying by myself at home, going to
Portsmouth every Wednesday to recite and get advice, etc., from
Mr. Peabody."
The reader will remember that Dr. A. P. Peabody, since
Plummer Professor at Harvard University, was then at the
height of his influence as minister of the large Unitarian
Society in Portsmouth, formerly under the pastorate of Rev.
Dr. Parker, the early pastor of Charles's father. Dr. Pea-
bod3*'s power as a thinker and preacher in the town of Ports-
mouth was ever3 r where felt, and his influence on moral and
educational questions radiated in a wide circle all over New
Hampshire. No choice could have been more fortunate for
the 3*oung man ; and the affectionate relations of his teacher
with the Exeter home deepened the hold which he already
had on the young man's religious and intellectual nature.
We go on with his journal :
" The principal event of to-day has been my initiation into the
order of the Sons of Temperance this evening. Sept. 6, Wednes-
day. This morning at half-past six o'clock I set out for my sec-
ond visit to Portsmouth. The plan of recitation is just what I
need. I am more than ever pleased with my prospect, and have
great reason to be thankful for my privileges. . . . Monday.
This afternoon I spent on Pine Hill composing and rehearsing a
speech for the Sons of Temperance, which, however, I was pre-
vented from delivering, as the question which was expected was
not raised. So I lost that flourish. The time when I attempted
to study to-day a sleepiness came over me, and I have done noth-
ing in that way to-day. This sleepy habit has always wasted much
of my time. If it is a habit, I must get rid of it. It is high time
I was working more. It is not laziness. I do not believe I am
inclined to that. . . . Give me something that I have an interest
in, and I am never tired. But it was always so when I had to
read what was uninteresting."
A young man is excusable for not wanting to read dull
books ; but we think we see here the early evidence that he
THE CHOICE MADE. 33
had no special liking for what are called abstract studies.
He was sj'mpathetic in his nature, and loved to occupy him-
self with questions that immediately affected the welfare of
his fellow-men. So we shall see in after-life that he made
hard work of writing sermons the first five years ; although,
when he found himself before audiences, his nature kindled,
and he intense!}' enjoyed preaching then.
He goes on with his journal of the day :
" It becomes me each night to examine whether or not I have
fulfilled all the duties which I might have performed. Have I
done my duty to myself, to my neighbor, by dealing kindly with
all, by seeking occasion to please and instruct? There is no pleas-
ure so solid as in performing exactly the law of Christ, ever regard-
ing death as the end of our being. ... I am reading Channing's
life. ... Wednesday. This evening I attended Mr. D 's
social meeting at our lecture-room, and suffered every thing in try-
ing to keep awake, M says, without much success. I find it
very difficult to keep awake at lectures almost always. -I have been
speculating on it this evening, and believe it must much of it be
ascribed to habit, which, like all other habits, may be improved.
. . . Thursday. Habits! how^firm and strong they become!
We acquire a certain habit; and it gets so fast a hold of us that
we declare it is constitutional, that the peculiar nature of our sys-
tem requires it. I can conceive of such being the case with almost
any vice. We do not become aware of it until it has become a firm
habit; and then it is so essential to us, and so difficult to overcome,
that we may easily persuade ourselves that it is natural to us, and
that we were born depraved."
This is all excellent reasoning, but in this particular case
we do not think it applies. We think there were one or two
other reasons why an earnest 3*oung man was affected with
sleepiness. The most natural one is, that he did not sleep
enough nights. "We see how early he must have risen to go
to his recitations at Portsmouth at six o'clock. He probably
sat up just as long at night on those days, and yet blamed
himself for falling asleep over his books. His delicately
organized nature was one that, through all his life, required
34 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
a large amount of sleep. But Horace Mann and the broth-
ers Combe had not been so much heard of then, and New-
England people thought it " hypoca " to talk about health.
There is one other cause which can be given for the young
man's sleepiness ; and we can better express it in one odious
word, " dyspepsia," than any other, that general inactivity
of the system, caused by a sedentary life, which makes some
persons sleepy, some sour, some Calvinists, and some pessi-
mists.
We go on with the journal :
"I have been thinking to-day of trying to introduce, into the
order of exercises in the Sons of Temperance, lectures occasion-
ally, to be public, delivered by members of the division, to answer
a twofold purpose, first, as a good exercise for the speakers them-
selves. I must exercise myself more in communicating. I am
wretchedly poor in conversation. Much of this failing, too, I as-
cribe to habit, the habit of not engaging in conversation, and of
listening to others without making any effort to speak myself. . . .
Saturday. Muster-day ! The regiment in which I was warned
to train mustered at Thing's tavern, in Epping. 1 started in the
morning about four o'clock with P , I , K , and Dr. W.
J. P. We were early on the ground ; and, during the hour which
we spent in the tavern, we witnessed a horrible amount of drinking,
being a sample of what was to be expected during the day. At
six we found our ranks. It was bitter cold; and until noon we
faced the north-west wind chilled through, with nothing interesting
to pay us for it. May I never see again, as I certainly never did
before, such wretchedness and vice together! At the root of it all
was an array of grog-tents ; and scores of drunkards were about,
boys and men, fighting and gambling and cursing in the most
dreadful manner. May I never be backward in giving my aid in
all attempts to remove vice, and especially intemperance, from the
land ! Sunday. In the morning Mr. D preached on the need
of preparation for the enjoyment of heaven."
It may be well to state here, that there was as yet no Uni-
tarian society in Exeter ; but the preaching in the Orthodox
Congregational Church, to which he refers in his journal,
THE CHOICE MADE. 35
was of a kind to which an earnest Unitarian might listen
with pleasure and profit.
"Monday, Sept. 24. At Sons of Temperance this evening. I
am much pleased with the society, but I feel that the division of
classes in town is not a good one. There are many whom I get
acquainted with here who would do honor to any society, but whose
circumstances exclude them. . . . We, whose circumstances place
us in this rank, deprive ourselves of much by excluding from our
company some that we do. And, though I am aware that those
are properly associated together whose sympathies are together by
reason of similar circumstances and tastes, I go for a more liberal
classification on the score of merit and principles."
It may be well to give the reader here a little glance into
the social life of Exeter at this time. The town was then,
perhaps, at its most attractive stage in the history of our
New-England villages. The academy with its prestige and
its fine corps of professors, and its old graduates, who often
returned to the scene of their early studies, gave a lustre to
the town at the start ; but the society of the place was not
dependent on the academy, although there was a fine har-
mon}- between the two.
There are names in connection with the social life of the
town still having their representatives there, which many a
reader of these pages will recall. Other names have passed
away from present life there, but are not forgotten, the
Gilmans, who were noted for their great hospitality, and
their kindness to the poor ; the Chadwicks, the Soules, the
Gorhams, etc. Mrs. Gorham was the daughter of the re-
vered Dr. Abbot, and remarkable for her intellectual cul-
ture, and the force of her character. Her husband, the
doctor, will be long remembered for his erect and noble car-
riage, his kindness and courtesy among his patients and
friends, and his sunny spirit through all his troubles. The
venerable Dr. Perry yet lives in a green old age, and his
fiat is still law in the medical profession there. There were
the two Miss Emerys, one familiarly called "Aunt Peggy,"
36 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
the other " Little Margaret," aunt and niece, who never mar-
ried, but maintained a household, and dispensed delightful
hospitalities. They lived in one of those large, old, ram-
bling houses, unpainted, in which Exeter was rich at that
time. This old house was a constant succession of surprises
to you. Everywhere you turned, you found yourself in a
new spot, pleasanter than the last ; or by a new cupboard,
where was the daintiest old china ; or a cosy niche contain-
ing some charming little bijouterie, the gifts of many friends.
The younger Margaret was remarkable for her sprightliness,
her wit, and her mental acumen ; the older, for her hospi-
tality, her cordial sympathy with young and old, and her
childlike, religious faith, which kept her elastic through weary
sicknesses, and made her bedside a welcome meeting-place
for all her neighbors, young and old. Our villages, the pride
of New England, had not begun to be depopulated. They
were sufficient unto themselves, perhaps some will think a
little too self-sufficient ; for it is true that there was a good
deal of caste feeling in all our old colonial towns, an intense
consciousness of family importance, inherited from the mother-
country, which made the more affluent and cultivated circle,
draw a strict line, over which none should pass who were not
of them. This troubled our young divinity student, as we
have seen; but he need not have feared too much. The prog-
ress of time levels all these things. The gradual passing out
of sight of old families by death or marriage, and the uplifting
of the middle classes by education, sets such things right in
this country, where, whatever may have been the narrowness
reflected upon us by our English ancestors, education, ability,
and character are really now the only recognized titles to
aristocracy.
CHAPTER V.
STUDIES IN EXETER AND PORTSMOUTH.
1848-1849.
Seneral Taylor elected President. Young 1 Mens' Societies.
Temperance Lecture. Letter to a Friend.
WE follow him still in his studies, which have now taken
firm hold of his attention, and are showing satisfac-
tory results. We take up his journal again :
" Thursday evening. I made my trip to Portsmouth yesterday
on horseback, recited my lesson, and had a grand time at Mr.
P 's. I believe that I can do more work with my mind, if I
work hard with my body, of course under limitations. ...
Saturday, Nov. 4, 1848. How dangerous it is to go on from day
to day in contact with the world, engaged ever in the cares of life!
. . . O Lord! while thou dost keep my heart yet soft and warm
by youth and good influence, strike indelibly upon it the impress
of thy Spirit! Make me feel my need of thee, and go out with
me into the duties of life !
" Monday, Nov. 6. Politics are much the order of the day.
. . . Gen. Taylor, the Whig candidate, is certainly not the ideal
of our Northern Whigs. He is a slaveholder, and has been
brought up in the belief that slavery is a respectable institution.
Again, he is a soldier; and it cannot be denied that his military
success is what has brought him into this notice. . . . Tuesday,
Nov. 7. Election-day. It is pleasant to see how all parties talk
over the state of the votes, and chances of election, and principles
of party, with perfect good-nature. Every man, so far as I have
seen, seems to respect his neighbor's opinion, whatever it may be.
Monday evening. The Coke Club meets to read together from
38 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
Kent's Commentaries at Mr. Tuck's office. One reads aloud;
the others comment: and, when any point is not sufficiently clear,
they endeavor to satisfy themselves by studying upon it. Saturday
evening. The Exeter House of Delegates holds its meetings.
This is a society just formed. We have thirty members, one to
represent each State in the Union, twelve Whigs, twelve Demo-
crats, six Free Soilers. We mean to follow out strictly parlia-
mentary rules. We have committees on Territories, commerce,"
etc., and present bills. We hold our meetings in the Court House.
I am member from Rhode Island, and one of the committee on
Territories, which has a bill to report on at the next meeting, pro-
posing to extend the Wilmot proviso over all new Territories."
We cannot help interrupting the journal here to reflect a
moment on the intellectual life and energy of the young men
in this small town, who did not need to import a lecturer from
Boston to stimulate their desire for knowledge. The women
also had their own intellectual coteries; and the refinements
of social life there, though lacking the splendor of the me-
tropolis, went beyond it often in true knowledge of the world,
acquaintance with polite literature, and that fine flavor of
hospitality which money cannot produce, but only the per-
sonal labors and skill of the hostess herself can afford.
" Sunday, Nov. 19, 1840. I am twenty years old! and how
many years good? Looking back, how trifling seem the tempta-
tions which I have yielded to ! How great an opportunity I have
had for improvement! I have been blessed with the kindest of
parents, and nothing has been wanting for my good. My schools,
and the influences by which I have been surrounded, and the les-
sons which have been constantly instilled into my mind, ought to
have made me perfectly good. Twenty years gone! and the years
best fitted for improving. ... Tuesday, Nov. 21. I found my-
self to-day at an old college fault. There, when I was studying, if
any one came in, I didn't wish to treat them exactly civilly, so,
uneasy at the interruption, endeavored by coolness to shorten their
visit. It used to be so often when the interruption would not do
any harm, and I would make myself uncomfortable without rea-
son, when I ought to have made the best of it, shown myself
cheerful, and turned the recreation to the best account, and let it
STUDIES IN EXETEE AND PORTSMOUTH. 39
make me better fitted for close application afterwards. I had the
same sort of feeling to-night when came in to see me. It is
wrong; and I must try to prevent it, treat everybody with kindness
and politeness, and keep constantly reflecting whether my contem-
plated words and acts are such as my sober after-thought will
approve.
" Friday, Nov. 24. I have been reading to-day in Channing's
works. I cannot help contrasting his fervor with my own indiffer-
ence on almost any subject. This indifference is a great fault with
me. Things do not move me enough: my sympathies are not
active enough. I could think and write and talk on slavery
without having any real, painful sympathy with the oppressed.
(/banning speaks of the pain which it gave him to perform what
he thought his duty in writing upon the subject. I need to have
my sensibilities quickened. . . .
"Monday, Dec. 11. How thankful I ought to be that the lives
of my dear parents have been spared so long ! To-day they have
been married a quarter of a century. It is to them, under God,
that I owe all the privileges I enjoy; and not a blessing am I sur-
rounded with that I cannot trace to their kindness and care. . . .
Dec. 13, 1840. California gold is attracting great notice from
everybody. The accounts are astonishing, and are crazing the
money-seekers. . . . Monday, Jan. 1, 1849. An agricultural
society has been formed, to which my father and I are admitted;
and I am on a committee with Mr. H and Dr. II on orna-
mental gardening."
This company of citizens, we have no doubt, resembled
those societies in many of our country villages in the past,
which enlisted all the best young men, who went to the
woods, took up the A'oung trees, and set them carefully along
the streets, to refresh the weary passer-by in the future.
These simple country habits are interesting as showing
the influences under which the young man was brought up.
The atmosphere was healthful and invigorating, and called
out his love of nature, his desire to serve others, and his
genial affection for his schoolmates and neighbors.
" Saturday, Jan. 13. I attended a meeting of the agricultural
society to-day. We have some practical farmers. We discussed
40 MEMOIB OF CHAELES LOWE.
the potato. . . . This evening I made a speech before the House
of Delegates on the Mississippi-river bill, and had much better
success than before. It is expensive, in the matter of time, for me
to do these things. A good part of these two days is gone for
this; but I feel in the fixedness which it gives to my opinions, and
the power of self-possession by the exercise of speaking, an advan-
tage which I hope will repay me. . . . One of our townsmen
sailed for the gold region, California, this week. Two more have
engaged passage to sail. All of these, I believe, are correct, in-
dustrious young men. Sunday, Jan. 21. The past week I have
not done much except write upon my lecture ; and the difficulty I
have found in writing has occasionally made me feel a little
gloomy, under the idea that I may not have chosen the calling for
which I am fitted best, especially when I remember how well I
have always proved, and how I have delighted in such studies as
mathematics and physics."
It may be interesting to mention here that he was con-
nected with what might be called a seafaring race. We
recollect once asking him what profession he would have
chosen from pleasure at the outset. He thought a moment,
and then said, " I should have liked to command a ship."
His father had the same longing, and yet went into the count-
ing-room of a manufactory, where he displayed business abili-
ties quite as remarkable as any thing he could have done on
the ocean. He was a man of a robust frame. His son was
quite different, yet not unlike the type of the army or navy.
The son was small, well built, with a clear gray eye that
saw every thing at a glance, swift motions, a supple frame
that in the gymnasium could accomplish feats, and a courage
which was not foolhardiness, but could kindle in the moment
of clanger ; and, what is best of all, a power over the minds
of other men. This latter quality was to have full scope in
the profession he had chosen. It is a question whether he
could have borne the hardships of the sea ; although he re-
membered a sea-captain laying his hand on his shoulders
about this time when he was studying, and saying, " They've
spoilt a good sea-captain in you, Charley." These resets
STUDIES IN EXETER AND PORTSMOUTH. 41
about his profession, however, were only ephemeral ; and
we presume almost all men are liable to them at first. We
see from his journal how he reasons about it :
" But I am comforted when I remember what is the profession
I have chosen, and how it will, if I improve it right, be best calcu-
lated to improve myself and the world; and though my gifts may
not be so strong for this as for some other employments, yet I am
encouraged to ' covet earnestly the best gifts.' Thursday, Feb. 8.
This has been rather an eventful week. Monday and Tuesday I
was engaged on my lecture: but I exerted myself so much in the
daytime, that, when the actual time came, my voice was weary,
my interest had flagged, and I could not rouse up in the delivery;
and a very bright light, shining directly into my eyes, prevented
me from looking otherwise than half asleep. One expressed my
fault in a figure by saying, ' The bellows gave out.' The night was
stormy, and few went except those of my friends who were curious
to see my first appearance. But I felt much complimented by the
number. On the whole it has been a good thing for me, as I hope
I shall be more ready to attempt improvements in this way ; and I
know now many faults which I shall have to be on my guard to get
rid of."
This little record here seems to us to illustrate the sweet-
ness of his nature, and at the same time his persistency and
brave cheer, as much as any thing we shall find among his
journals. Most young men of fair amiability would have
chafed at the weather and this family audience, and scolded,
at least on paper, at their ill luck, and vowed never to work
so hard again for such poor success. He was also as sensi-
tive as any one to approbation, and was easily dampened
always in public by indifference ; but he does not seern ever
to have had what is called self-love, or false ideas of his own
dignit}". His temperament, we must allow, was a very hap-
pily constituted one ; but yet the pages of this journal show
us that his character was not all the result of nature, but
also of strict self-examination and discipline.
"Monday, March 5. Began German. . . . The President has
taken his seat to-day; and the whole nation has sent up the noise
42 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
of bells and guns, and joined from one extreme to the other in
lively rejoicings. May their expectations, so far as good, be real-
ized! Tuesday, March 6. The President's inaugural address is
good. He promises well. The last scenes in Congress are disa-
greeable, apparently a drunken riot. Saturday, March 17.
Wrote a little upon natural religion. I believe that my worst
fault (I mean as to execution) is want of determination, energy,
and application. If I could enter into this writing with my whole
energy, I do not fear but I should succeed. I must cultivate this
engagedness and fervor, and it will then show itself also where I
want it most, in the service of my God. Sunday, March 25. Mr.
H preached in the morning on ' Without the shedding of
blood there is no remission.' And the ground he took was far dif-
ferent from what I had supposed the ground of Orthodox belief."
It will be remembered that there was yet no Unitarian
church in Exeter. He still attended devoutly to the preach-
ing of many of the Orthodox pastors of the time there, and
felt indebted to them for aiding him in the growth of a reli-
gious character ; although we can see from this last passage
in his journal that he was beginning to think for himself,
and to dissent from some of their conclusions.
" Monday, March 26. I find myself too much inclined to fault-
finding in the way of grumbling selfishly, but growing out of a
desire (wrongly directed) to see others doing right. It is becom-
ing too much a habit, and let me refrain one week from every exer-
tion of it. . . . Friday. Monday was organized a Shakspeare
reading-circle at Miss M. Emery's. . . . Tuesday the Farmers'
Club met. Dr. B invited me to deliver my temperance lecture
in Stratham on Fast Day. Wednesday. Had a delightful day
at Portsmouth with Mr. P , and a most instructive and inter-
esting recitation, particularly in the New Testament. Sunday.
M*; P preached on the peaceful tendency of the Christian
religion, and spoke well of the religious teachings at the bottom of
all reforms. ' Let all men be Christianized, and all vice will cease,
-intemperance, party-strife, fightings, etc. And this, then, should
be tiie motive of reformer's exertions, to convert men to Christi-
anity, and not to labor so much in particular reform.' The idea
was rather a striking one, but I think it is hardly valid to turn us
STUDIES IN EXETER AND PORTSMOUTH. 43
from all efforts on particular reformations. We have to employ
in extending religion a variety of agencies. We have tract socie-
ties, lectures, and those on every point of religious truth separately:
and the particular reforms themselves peace and anti-slavery
societies are needed in helping Christianity; as it is essential to
the successful spread of that, that the rougher part be cleared away
first in this way. ... I copy here a letter of mine to , in an-
swer to one from him to me a week ago, full of concern lest he
had made a wrong choice of a profession :
" ' Dear , Your letter, which I received last week, gave me
at the same time much pain and pleasure. Pained I assure you I
was from sympathy with you in your present state of feeling, while
I could not help a feeling of deep gratification that you have shown
so much confidence in me as to make me your confidant. . . . From
experience I know there can be no more unhappy state of mind
than that of uncertainty respecting the choice of a profession. . . .
Let me, then, sympathize with you most sincerely. I wish it were
in my power to relieve you. But expressions of condolence are
but barren comforts ; and in such cases words of sympathy, how-
ever friendly, usually aggravate the wound. Will you let me give,
however, my own opinion of your profession, of which, of course,
I have not so good an opportunity to judge as you, but towards
which I feel very differently from you? . . .
" ' I hear you speak of its dull prospects the coming year with
much regret and surprise, but still see no reason for discourage-
ment. In this immediate vicinity of Boston, indeed, we may per-
haps have reached somewhere the limit of present progress in the
branch which calls for the aid of your profession ; but, if so, it is
only because the parts beyond what has been the principal sphere
of activity are coming forward, and advancing their claims, that
the rate of progress throughout may be more equally balanced.
. . . Look at the West as a farming-country, the richest in the
world, rapidly filling up, and to each new-comer showing more
and more astonishing examples of the stores it contains. Now,
before this natural wealth of the West can be availed of to any
great extent, what immense services your profession will be called
on to render in establishing means of communication ! Still wider
field is ready to be opened in the mineral resources there. I have
had this strongly impressed on my mind by actual observation.
You know, last summer I visited the West. . . . The obstacles in
44 MEMOIR OF CHABLES LOWE.
the way of drawing out these resources are such as the enterprise
which carried through the Western Railroad would regard as bar-
riers of straw; and in the great work of developing them, which
you and I, if we live to the ordinary age of men, shall see, your
profession must take a prominent part. As for the other ground
for apprehending dulness, that the profession will be overstocked,
I do not regard this prospect a discouraging one. You remember
when we used to talk it over in Cambridge, and both of us were
inclining towards this profession, the great objection was, that it
did not embrace men of a sufficiently high stamp to make it con-
trast favorably with other learned professions. Uncertain ability
crept into it. Now, I should regard it a glorious thing that it is
likely to be stocked so full. The portion which will not honor it
then, it will not give support to; and only the eminent and able
will remain in it and prosper. Only be earnest, and success is cer-
tain. You say you dread the leisure time the profession will afford
you. But think of the opportunity it gives you for pursuing all
branches of physical science, and for the application of it. And
there is work for your leisure hours, than which what could be
more useful or agreeable?
" ' The consideration which seems to weigh most with you, to the
credit of your filial affection, the wishes of your father, is
indeed no small one. His feelings are, of course, to be faithfully
consulted. But, as I understand you, it is only the anxious desire
fqr your best success which makes him prefer for you the study
of the law; and to me it seems certain that a diligent and deter-
mined pursuit of your present profession cannot fail to be crowned
with success. You are certainly well fitted for it by both physical
and intellectual abilities. Your tastes seem to lead the way to it;
and, besides, you have now devoted a year and a half to prepara-
tion for it. That the profession will be an highly honorable one,
its immense importance makes beyond a doubt.' "
We have thought this letter might be interesting to 3'oung
men, as coming from a young man only a little over twenty
years old, and have therefore given a portion of it. It is
only one of many such letters he wrote in after-life, which,
if they do not now exist on paper, doubtless live still in the
memories of those who received them.
STUDIES IN EXETER AND PORTSMOUTH. 45
He was thus early as well as later in life the cheeriest of
comforters to those in trouble, not because he blinded his
eyes, and spoke soft words, but because his sunny and
wise spirit always saw the noblest side of every position
in life.
CHAPTER VI.
HOME-LIFE AND LARGER WORK.
1849.
Letter from Classmate. Anniversary Meetings in Boston.
Letter from Dr. Peabcdy . Seashore Days.
WE continue to look at his character in his relations with
friends, and also now in spheres of public usefulness,
gained from societies in his own town, and from church-
work in Boston.
" Sunday, April 29. I have attended in the P.M. the Christian
Baptist meeting, and feel touched with a sense of shortcoming.
. . . N. F spoke very beautifully on being in perfect com-
munion with Christ. She spoke from the spirit; and really it did
not seem odd, though I have never heard a woman speak in meet-
ing before. She spoke so from the heart. Oh the happiness of
being always in perfect communion with God, to feel that we
have his approving eye on all our actions !
" Friday, May 8. The Shakspeare Club went off well last even-
ing. ' The Tempest ' was the play; and, though I find since that
critics place the play very high, I acknowledge the want of poetic
feeling which did not make me admire it. I must cultivate poetic
taste. To-day is the first day for weeks which I have given to
study, denying the garden altogether. I have been preparing for
Portsmouth. E. S and C. G. S spent the afternoon with
me, and we have arranged to read Homer together every Thursday
afternoon."
C. G. S , whom he mentions here, was his schoolmate
in Exeter, and afterwards his college "chum," Dr. Charles
HOME-LIFE AND LARGER WORK. 47
G. Smith, now of Chicago. It ma}* not be out of place here
to insert a few lines from a letter of Dr. Smith in regard to
his early friend :
"I have been waiting until I could find time to look over my
papers, in hopes of discovering some letters from Charles for you;
but I have found only one note. . . . Whatever letters I received
from him in Chicago before October, 1871, were all destroyed by
the fire. But, though the written records of our lifelong friendship
have perished, my memory will always retain the impression of
his nobleness of character. ... In these days of weak convictions
and loose principles, such a character seems especially marked;
and we must all feel that the world is poorer for his death. Those
who knew him best, know how often his conscientiousness led him
beyond the limit of his physical strength, and find comfort in the
thought that he has now entered upon
" ' A life that hears immortal fruit
In such great offices as suit
The full-growu energies of heaven.' "
" Wednesday, May 9. Had a very interesting day at Mr. Pea-
body's. I have ' Morell's Philosophy ' to read for a dissertation.
Now I begin this evening 'Life of Fenelon ' in French, in which
I think I shall find much pleasure. The style is beautiful. I say
so, chiefly because I can read it easily. Sunday, .May 13. Mr.
D preached in the morning and P.M. on the nature of heaven,
two admirable discourses. I feel that coldness is one of the
greatest faults in my character. It prevents me from being affected
by the most touching appeals to any thing like the degree I ought,
but especially prevents my entering into and appreciating the high
descriptions of heaven character of God so as to draw from
them the delight with which the true Christian must contemplate
them."
He was somewhat deficient by nature in imagination :
hence his early objection to poetry. His first sermons,
although the}* show a good deal of study, and are full of
rich illustrations which made them well received and held
the attention, show here and there that he had urged him-
self to a strain of emotion which was not altogether natural,
48 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
we think, although he was unconscious of it. But when,
later, he wrote his sermons warm from the events of the hour,
not caring about any figures of speech, but striking boldly
for the truth, the fire and the fervor came without asking.
" The same coldness marks my regard for poetry, etc., and my
social feelings. There is no feature of character which I more
need to attend to. May I seek, by attention to it in the smallest
matters, constantly to develop warmth, and, by reflecting much on
things calculated to excite high emotions of love, soften and warm
my heart! "
Some persons might say that this course of constant self-
examination was likely in some cases to destroy the natu-
ralness of character ; but he had not a trace of morbidness
in him. He never pried into motives with a microscopic
eye, nor cared any thing about technical goodness nor " ori-
ginal sin." He only saw certain things which he did not
like in himself, tangible faults ; and he was determined
not to rest until he had rooted them out. So far as his
" social feelings," of which he speaks, are concerned, we
do not believe he ever had to learn to love his fellow-beings.
But he suffered early as well as late with a frequent lassitude
of body, which probably dulled his sensibilities for the time,
and particularly made it an effort for him to perform those
social and somewhat conventional duties, which he felt justly
that society had a right to demand of him.
" Monday, May 28. I went in the evening to Boston to the
anniversaries, my mother having gone in the morning. Tuesday
A.M. At half-past seven, in Mr. Waterston's church, there was
the most interesting meeting I ever attended. Father Taylor
spoke very feelingly of the home to which we are all travelling.
Every one was moved by his earnestness. A stranger rose, and
spoke of feeling at home a need of strength. He had come up to
the anniversaries to get it. He had already found it. And, indeed,
who could help going away more full of love to God and man, and
more resolved upon a better life? The collation was at 2 P.M., at
Assembly Hall. I went with much doubt how a solemn feast would
HOME-LIFE AND LAEGER WORK. 49
be conducted, and how the serious tone of the morning exercises
would join on with a light and social repast. The hall was filled
with bright and social faces. Josiah Quincy, jun., presided. I
could hardly help feeling some of the speeches jar with the solem-
nity of the occasion, the pleasantry of jokes; yet I know not
why it should."
We see here a little of the old Puritan austerity lingering
in him in regard to religion, which is not strange. We Uni-
tarians at that early da}* were rather frightened at ourselves
when we attempted to have a good time. Our co-religion-
ists looked upon us with horror when we had a social festival.
It was only one more sign that we were wholly unsancti-
fied, and going down to perdition. They learned, however,
slowl}*, to follow our example ; and their venerable doctors
of the early church would perhaps be astonished if they
could see now how their successors can make merry with
their good cheer at anniversary time as well as we.
" Thursday A.M. Meeting at Mr. Gray's church. Several min-
isters and laymen spoke with the deepest fervor of soul. One
Orthodox man, Mr. A , got up, and acknowledged the wrong of
any one who should deny to this sect the true Christian spirit. It
was, indeed, a delightful meeting.
" Sunday. I cannot estimate highly enough the blessings which
the past week has brought to me. I have been in a spiritual at-
mosphere. The Spirit of God has truly been upon it, and voices
all around have urged me as I have never been urged before. I
have seen men and women bowed in devotion ; I have seen religion
made a topic of delightful conversation; I have seen it coming
out as from the soul, as the uppermost feeling in the midst of
pleasures and duties, and have been made to feel what it is to
live in God; and I have had thoughts and determinations im-
pressed upon me which it seems impossible ever to efface. . . .
I desire to become a Christian, to make my whole life filled with
this prominent aim. Deciding this, I resolve to dedicate myself
publicly by joining Mr. Peabody's church. My mother will join,
also "
50 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
We see, that, however much impressed he was with the ser-
vices in the church at Exeter, he wished to join the church
at Portsmouth under Dr. Peabody's ministrations. It was
really the church of his parents, and his growing convictions
led him steadfastly that way.
We have quoted a little in regard to the anniversary meet-
ings, because we have thought it would be of interest to the
reader to see how they impressed a sincere young man
reared under the influences of the Orthodox Church. We
Unitarians are apt to be over-critical of ourselves, and, at
this distance, to believe that in those early days we were oc-
cupied incessantly with controversy, to the disadvantage of
our spiritual life. It is true we were giving and receiving
pretty hard blows ; and there was great danger, that, while
each party was straining every nerve to prove some point
of doctrine, we should forget to cultivate the graces of
the Spirit. But we find life veritable life and devotion
in this little Unitarian branch of the church, which warmed
the soul of the young man who was just spreading his wings
for flight into the regions of the Spirit.
" Wednesday evening spent in company. Let me resolve in con-
versation never to speak with a view to self, to showing off, either
telling of what I have done, or by using fine sentences (the last,
though, I am in little danger of). Let me always speak kindly of
and to all. Let me listen kindly, and in my whole intercourse
act and speak, as in every other case, upon the Golden Rule of
brotherly love. Sunday. I spent the noon in trying to think of
something to say at Sunday school. My heart failed me, however.
Wednesday I went to Portsmouth. I told Mr. Peabody of the in-
tention of my mother and myself to join his church."
It seems an appropriate place here to insert a portion of
a letter which we have received from Dr. Peabody :
" My memory of his brief period of study with me is rich as
to impressions, though meagre as to details. I loved and admired
him then, as I have never ceased to do. I had a clear foresight
of what he would be and do in the ministry, and used to speak
HOME-LIFE AND LARGER WORK. 51
of him to the kindred and friends of his family in Portsmouth
prophetically, as I do historically now. As regards the details of
his work with me, I merely remember that I taught him Hebrew;
that, after finishing the rudiments of the language, I put him into
the Book of Job; and that he and I enjoyed together, and very
richly, the discovery of a beautiful meaning in many of those
passages in which our translation fails to give a correct impression.
We read through the nineteenth chapter, how much farther I
know not. You perhaps are aware that about that time I bap-
tized him and his mother. They both became members of my
church. He preached his first sermons in my pulpit, and I never
enjoyed a similar occasion more. I remember perfectly the im-
pression produced on the audience generally. His appearance was,
of course, modest, as it was never otherwise, but at the same time
indicating perfect self-possession; his voice full, round, and clear,
rich in tone, and probably of more capacity than at any time after
his first severe illness; his sermons models of simplicity, sweet-
ness of spirit, and truly evangelical earnestness. . . .
" I cannot write coolly or critically about him. He was too near
my heart for me to analyze his mind or character. All that I can
say is, that heaven had its own in him for all the years that I knew
him as truly as it has now."
" At the Nulla Mora. The debate was on the good or bad
influences of manufacturing establishments, on the character of
their operatives. My lot was to speak on the favorable side. But
still, how much there is to be said on the other side ! And are not
many of the demoralizing tendencies such that I, situated as I
am, could do much towards removing? and particularly could not
I, by my influence, exert much good among the men and boys of
our factory by lending them books, showing an interest in their
intellectual culture? Can I feel that I have improved my talents
fully and to the best advantage?
" Sunday. Mr. P preached from Christ the Way, the Truth,
and the Life. . . . After the morning service the ceremony of bap-
tism was performed on me, and my mother and I were admitted
to the church. After some feeling remarks from Mr. P on
our need of faith, and the delight of engaging in this communion
service, the communion service took place. Oh, may the result
of that day be blest to me through life! . . .
52 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
"I have asked Mr. P about Hebrew. He says of those
who think they may give it up after the year's study at the
Divinity School, they may as well give up their profession; that
he would, on the contrary, advise never to give it up, but to make
some plan by which to be sure of reading some portion of the
Scriptures in the original every week or so for life. I admire
more and more in him his power of entering into any thing which
he may be engaged upon, whether a frolic with the chickens or
children, or an abstruse theological question, or about a Hebrew
root. This, I believe, is the great secret of his power, and of his
great accomplishment. He can do vastly more, of course, by this
doing with his might; and, when done, it is, of course, better done;
and his wonderful memory of every thing depends, it seems to
me, almost entirely upon this. Last night I sat up with Mr.
G . I was very glad of the opportunity to do so. It was my
first trial as nurse; and I really enjoyed it, and had good success.
I cannot but think it is a great privilege to be permitted to see
suffering, and be called on to relieve it. 1 feel it has done me good.
" Sunday, Aug. 5. On Monday last we all went to Rye Beach
with the H family. F and I went to old Mrs. Philbrick's,
the rest to the Ocean House. The weather was delightful, and
every thing pleasant. ... I enjoyed much a conversation with
old lady Philbrick. She seems to be entirely Christian. She does
work which is far beyond her strength, and has suffered much.
She says, with a feeling which is all sincere, that nothing could
have sustained her but the consolations of religion; that now, when
her back is ready to break, she gains support from her spiritual
thoughts. She spoke of the joy of meeting together on Sunday,
as well as the duty of doing so, from her own experience, more
conclusively and clearly than the worldly-wise man could write.
She says she never lets any thing keep her from it if possible;
and sometimes, when she leaves home hardly able to move, she
will feel strength given her by prayer, so that, even after the long
walk, she will feel quite refreshed and strong in her body. Oh,
how certainly has God revealed to babes what he has hid from
the wise and prudent! and how evident that the minister must
seek out sources similar to this for much of his knowledge! How
delightful to live, as this woman seems to, in communion with
God! . . .
" Tuesday. Went up the river with the girls. We are trying
HOME-LIFE AND LARGER WORK. 53
to arrange for a trip to the Shoals. I feel a want of playfulness
in my disposition. Even sports I take in a sort of business-way,
fretting at others' mistakes, and serious at jokes, and not free
enough in talking."
This tendency he complained of in himself through life ;
and, as work crowded upon him, there was alwa}'s danger of
his forgetting his early resolutions in this respect. As we
have said before, a feeble, or we should say rather delicate,
body (for he never had a feeble air, his step was so elastic)
had a great deal to do with this. Before other people
were warmed up, he was exhausted. We remember the
sigh he drew one day, when he had been a-fishing at the
White Mountains, because his elderly and beloved friend of
nearly seventy years, who accompanied him, could outwalk
him. But he was fond of athletic sports, and had less sen-
sibility about hurting animals than most sedentary men.
He was fond of his gun, and was a good shot. He enjoyed
telling the story of his trying his hand among some English
officers abroad, and going straight to the mark at once. He
declared that it was a happy blunder ; but they looked at him
with admiration, and he was careful not to attempt the feat
again. He certainly had a delicate sense of humor, and
often said things in a dry way which started up a laugh ;
although he had not much taste for elaborate wit. But
another cause lay in his mental training, strict and methodi-
cal, and his intense conscientiousness early developed, in
regard to the duties of life. He used up his nervous forces
so much in mental and physical labor for himself and for
others, that he had none left for play ; for it is manifestly
true, that recreation needs freshness and force in order to be
play. But those who loved him have this consciousness,
that he made play for them, if not for himself, by that in-
stinct to serve which amounted almost to a fault in him so
far as the physical laws of God are concerned. Very few
ever suspected that there was sacrifice, a wear and tear to
the frame, in that kindly eye, that genial look, that quick
54 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
movement to help. Neither did he : he was the last one to
think he was making an}' sacrifice. Only when a frolic, a
fishing-party, a camping-out, was over, he "wondered why
he was so tired." His passion, too, for intellectual work,
for "improving his mind," as we say to the young, was
excessive. His zeal for making the most of opportunities
ever}'where around him made him forget the opportunities
of play. This zeal developed into that executive energy
which in after-life crowded practical as well as intellectual
work upon him, which often overtasked his strength.
CHAPTER VII.
THE DIVINITY SCHOOL.
1849.
Theological Studies. Dr. Francis. Friends in Boston. Let-
ters from Classmates. Drs. Walker and Noyes. Letter to
his Mother.
THE pleasant life at home, the daily visits to Portsmouth,
all this now is soon to be a thing of the past ; but
we shall see, as we go on, how these experiences left a per-
manent trace on his character. His habits of usefulness in
the home, and his public spirit in the town, were only car-
ried along to other relations in life ; and his studies with Dr.
Peabody gave him a love of learning, and a sense of fidelity
to trust, which no pastoral professorships in the schools
could ever better impart. We take up his journal on his
arrival at Cambridge :
" Monday, Sept. 3. I took my leave of all. I can hardly real-
ize that it was five years ago since I did the same the first time.
May I improve the privileges to which I am called, and answer
the expectations of my dear friends! Many, I know, are regarding
me with kind solicitude. Let the thought of that help to inspire
me with zeal. ... I found my room ready for a carpet, and
before night had tacked it down, and got all arranged, and made
it seem quite like a home. Friday, Sept 7. Essay-writing with
Dr. F , and a very interesting essay it was. We talked of the
pretended knowledge of human nature; of the sharper who can
get round a man, etc. The true knowledge of human nature the
scholar can get in private study of the great principles of our
56 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
nature. There are, besides the facts of man's doings, his ways
and foibles, etc., which one can only get by mingling with them
(or from such books as Shakspeare), which the minister needs to
be acquainted with in order to influence men. We talked of the
use of the knowledge of affairs ; as, for instance, for a minister to
be able to talk well of the business of his parishioners. Then
H read on a minister's engaging on questions of reform, etc.
The doctor says he needs it to give life to his own feelings. If
he preaches always and only on general subjects, he is apt to lose
interest, like sending up rockets at random, which may be ad-
mired for brilliancy, but want the excitement of a particular aim
and end. The evils of it, he thinks, result rather from an injudi-
cious way of doing it. The minister must not offend by seeming
a partisan; but he knows some who have taken earnest anti-
slavery ground, and still in so kind and judicious a way, that their
opponents will listen, and not take offence. . . . Went to Boston;
dined at Mr. J 's, and afterwards to Uncle J 's."
This Mr. J , whom he frequently mentions, was James
Johnson, a Boston merchant of wealth and large hospitality,
whose house was always open to his friends and all persons
of merit. The Uncle J was his beloved Uncle Joseph
Semes, long of the firm of McGregor & Semes, conspicu-
ous tea-merchants in Boston, whose kindness and hospitality
to him was unfailing. There were several other families
where he was cordially welcomed. That of Robert Waters-
ton, the generous Boston citizen of Scottish birth (father
of the Rev. R. C. Waterston) , who used naively to say, when
he invited any one who happened in to his every-day elegant
dinner, "Come out and take pot-luck with me." The family
of Rev. Ephraim Peabody of King's Chapel was another
place where he fdt all the attractions of a home. This
sainted man's counsels were treasured as among the bless-
ings of this life, and his calm judgments on men and
ihings were to young men almost an oracle. The picture
of Dr. E. Peabody hung ever in his study beside that of his
^ther friend and counsellor of the same name, the two
beloved friends of his youth and middle ao- e .
THE DIVINITY SCHOOL. 57
" I had an exercise with Dr. Noyes. He seems to me to be, so
far as I can know, very strongly committed to the too sceptical
grounds. Perhaps that is not what I mean. But he denies that
the Pentateuch is written by Moses, denies the truth of the ac-
count of plagues in Egypt, places perhaps too little importance on
the Christian revelation. I must guard against that, if it is ex-
treme; for I would vastly rather, for my satisfaction and hopes of
usefulness, err on the other side. Tuesday evening. Had a very
interesting meeting in my room for religious conversation on the
twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, with A and H ."
The A , of whom he speaks as having the first meet-
ing in his room, was the late Rev. Adams Ayer, now of
Boston. Mr. Ayer writes,
" We were in the same class in the Divinity School. There we
were brought quite familiarly together, and the impression of his
increased maturity and development is now quite fresh in my
mind. We were more alike in some aspects of theological thought
than others, I think ; and we acted more in harmony when some
practical questions were raised in the school. . . . The sweet
influences of his spirit were felt by all who were brought near
to him ; and I am sure that the same influence is still felt by those
of us who knew him intimately, and who welcomed his coming
as a glad benediction."
H is probably the Rev. T. D. Howard, now of Rox-
bury, Mass. Mr. Howard has kindly given us some remi-
niscences in a letter from which we quote :
" The class numbered five at the tune he entered, Ayer, Cud-
worth, Howard, Lowe, and Stebbins. We graduated together,
and the little band has been broken only by two departed from
earth. A warm feeling of kindly friendship prevailed among us
while we were in the school, and has ever since. . . . Mr. Lowe's
student habits were very systematic. I think he suffered more from
ill health during the first years of his studies at Cambridge than
for some years subsequently ; and the wonder was, that his duties
could be so promptly and thoroughly performed. His care of his
health was, however, assiduous, especially in taking exercise in
the open air. I remember long walks with him to Spring Hill,
58 MEMOIR OF CHAKLES LOWE.
Somerville, and beyond. We were at Divinity Hall only about
three months. There he was appointed tutor in Latin, and I proc-
tor; and we both occupied rooms in the college buildings. . . .
One exegetical essay of his I remember quite vividly, because the
idea unfolded was then new to me; and it was very satisfying.
The subject was the temptation of Jesus. . . .
" The life of a student at a theological school is happily un-
eventful. It is the needful retirement in still and unfrequented
places before entrance upon busy scenes of activity: hence a few
distinct recollections only present themselves of his student-life at
the Divinity School. They may, however, help you to construct
in your mind the steady routine, the daily gatherings for the study
of the New Testament, or to listen to a lecture. . . . Near the
close of each afternoon the school gathered in the chapel for
prayers. I recall with pleasure his reading of the Bible and
hymns, and his devotional exercises. The earnestness in word and
work which characterized his subsequent life was fully manifest
during his years at the Divinity School."
" To-morrow I am to begin my work of officiating in the chapel
services, my first experience of the sort. I am glad of this op-
portunity of improving; only let not my aim be so much to make
it a part of the necessary work of school practice, but let my prayer
and all the exercises be from my heart."
Here ends another volume of his journal, from which we
have made extracts. We have a proof of what Mr. How-
ard has said in regard to his systematic habits of study in
the pile of books which are before us, containing his notes
the first year he was in the school.
It is interesting to look at his little expense-book kept at this
time. A large part of his expenditures seems to be for books
and pictures, which he probably bought with money which
he had earned. A considerable amount of money, we are
sorry to see, goes each year for doctor's bills and medicine.
In spite of this, he manages to give his father sums of forty
and fifty dollars at a time to invest for him. At one time
he gives him two hundred dollars. We are afraid some of
this money might better have gone for eating and drinking,
THE DIVINITY SCHOOL. 59
judging from the small items down in reference to paj'ment
for board ; but we are slow to believe that he was parsimo-
nious with other people, in spite of his own self-accusations.
We are pleased to see that he allowed himself to go and hear
Jenny Lind at one dollar a ticket.
"We find also a little agricultural book, prepared probably
during the summer of 1849, before he went to Cambridge.
It is curious to see his love of system so ingrained in him
by early education. It appears to be the report of the com-
mittee of the Rockingham Farmers' Club. He begins with
his list of subjects all put down with the same scrupulous
neatness, Potato, Cabbage, Manure, Insects, Fowls, To-
matoes, Grafting, Strawberries, Apples, Pears, and so on, a
long list. Then came the notes on each heading, being valu-
able suggestions which he had got from newspapers and other
sources. The apple is evidently his favorite. Pears had
not worked their sweet and insinuating way so much into
the heart of these old New-England towns, and displaced
the more hardy and invigorating apple. Perhaps the climate
and soil were not so well suited to them. He draws a plan
of an orchard, with the trees marked out. He has a list
of the shade-trees which the young men set out all over
town, and the places. He draws very neat plans of his
father's garden, also of the neighborhood, and the manufac-
turing buildings near by, which were always pleasantly asso-
ciated with his boyish life. His father's devoted service
there so many years had given him an affection for the
spot ; and he always kept a picture of the " factory " in his
room by the side of the early daguerrotype of his home,
which was a fine house, every timber of which was laid
under the sagacious eye of the father. It stood on a hill
in full view of the buildings out of which the work-people
poured at noon ; and the little bridge, the rushing water
from the dam, all made a lively scene for the eye ; while
the pretty town of Exeter lay before the view, with its fine
old elms and delightful homes.
60 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
We go on with his journal, opening a new volume :
"Monday, Oct. 15, 1849. I am now fairly settled upon my
theological course; and I know that my exercise in writing in a
journal, if properly conducted, may be among the principal means
of my improvement. If only I will make it lead to a regular and
searching examination of myself, and make the development of
my faults lead to the correcting of them, I shall be doing a use-
ful thing. Saturday afternoon. P and I walked to his
uncle's in Brookline, then to the reservoir and to Gen. L 's,
and so round to Boston ; and the beautiful weather and changing
foliage making the day as perfect as one could wish. This first
yisit in this charming place has left an impression on me which I
shall not forget. I got to Uncle J 's to tea. Had a delight-
ful chat till ten o'clock, then a glorious warm bath there ; and a
sleep of nine hours on the stretch made me feel splendidly, and
taken with the kindness which they showed, which really made
my heart larger, did me real good."
We need only such a record as this to convince us that the
"creature comforts " were absolutely necessary for the health
of his mind as well as body : and although he would never,
after surveying his own life, have counselled a young man
to depend upon luxuries, he did believe in comforts ; seeing
many an earnest student led, as he was, to deny his natural
cravings for food or sleep, partly from an intense desire to
gain and use knowledge, and partly from that dyspeptic
habit which a low diet tends in the end to aggravate.
" Sunday. I heard Dr. Putnam in the morning, and was much
pleased. P.M. Heard the last part of Dr. Walker's sermon at
Frothingham's. What a man! His sermon was not original,
but delivered in a manner which impressed every one most deeply.
elieve I shall, while I can, make a point of going on Sunday
to hear the best models of preachers, and get my taste formed
from them. I contrast the two sermons I heard, the one full
fine thought, the other plain and simple; but the manner of
shvery made it very effective. Is it not to be my chief, or at
e a very great, point to cultivate this kind of power? I
have been of late thinking on this question more than any other,
THE DIVINITY SCHOOL. 61
whether the chief end for us is not to acquire power in Communi-
cating and influencing, rather than in criticism and deep studies.
... I have been discussing with M how far a man is bound
to exert himself. There are instances on record of men, who, in
spite of ill health and a thousand obstacles, have accomplished an
immense amount of good to the world. How far would they have
been in fault if they had omitted to do this? The labors of a
few prove to us what every one is capable of doing, and how far
are the majority from accomplishing what they can. I am mon-
strously tied to the body. I have a vigorous appetite now, which
makes me look forward to meals with eagerness, and think of
them. No occupation so interesting as to make me inclined to
omit them. Sleep I am about as fond of, and it often steals the
moments right away from a book, especially (I was going to
specify a time of day; but it is a delicate point to choose, as all the
times of day have strong claims to eminence in this drowsy dispo-
sition.) P and I practise elocution on Somerville Hill."
It is interesting to anticipate a moment, and remember
the fact that this very Somerville Hill where he took his
walks, and tried in sonorous tones his pulpit-voice, was des-
tined to grow into a charming communit}' of suburban homes,
and be his last parish. It was the place from which he went
forth daily when he took up his labor of love for the Unita-
rian Association, and to which his earthly form was carried
to be borne from the church on the hill to its resting-place
in Mount Auburn.
"Dr. Abbot was buried to-day. He died last Thursday. He
was eighty-seven years old. The death of men who have made
themselves eminently useful seems to inspire me more than any
thing else to stronger exertions. I know that I have the ability
to accomplish in my life, if spared sufficiently long, enough to
make the world much better for it. How am I called on to vig-
orous exertion ! And what a reward for it, if there were no other,
in the happy consciousness of a well-spent life, when our laboring-
days are over, and we are permitted to linger a while to enjoy the
reflection upon it ! Oh may I obtain such a crown of glory, and
not let the paltry baubles of present empty applause, or self-sat-
isfaction, or love of ease, or any thing else, seduce me from efforts
62 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
for good! . . . Sunday evening. Went to a singing-school at
Mr. Newell's church, to which the divinity students are invited.
I am very anxious to learn to sing church-music. M was
here until eleven o'clock. He is insisting on still simpler living
at Mrs. C 's; and, in fact, we do live too well. Monday,
Oct. 29. Partly from more activity of the system, and partly, I
must believe, from very simple and scanty eating, I have felt bet-
ter, and been able to accomplish more, to-day than for a long time.
Wednesday. Have been engaged mostly on the subject of our
Saviour's pre-existence. I am afraid I am in danger from study-
ing these questions too much as matters of mere study, and with
too little of devotional feeling.
" Sunday, Nov. 4. This evening I called at Dr. Walker's, and
have got advice as to my studies here. I must make the study
of the New Testament the study: this he is very decided on. It
is the foundation of all the ministers' course. Let the study of the
New Testament in Greek be the main thing. The difficult ques-
tions of evidence, etc., it is well to go over, and find what the
questions are, and what solutions have been made of them. Go
over the ground. But I shall have to go over it the second and
third time before coming to decisions of my own. For the writ-
ing, it is enough to make a little general summary, not with a view
to practise in writing. It is not so good for that as writing let-
ters, etc. There is too much of a tendency, he thinks, to write
dissertations for sermons. In this opportunity of the library,
use it to know where to find things. For general reading he
would devote some time to the study of the best English authors
(there are not many of them), Shakspeare, Milton, Swift, etc.
He would not read all of any of them. For instance, Milton, he
would say, give him a month, read his biography, and some of
his prose and poetry, not so as to make it work, but a recreation
if possible. In his own experience he took Milton, and thought
he must read him through, and without much of taste for poetry.
It was hard work enough. As to books, on the history of litera-
ture, etc., he thinks them worth very little. The study of eccle-
siastical history will be very important. The Old Testament is,
principally as history. He rather advised me to take a class in
Sunday school because he thought I didn't want to. Was not
inclined enough to come forward. As to gadding about much to
hear preachers, he doesn't approve of it; better go regularly some-
THE DIVINITY SCHOOL. 63
where, and for your own good. He seemed to be doubtful about
the wisdom of my entering in advance."
The good, wise doctor was evidently suspicious that the
young man was expending nervous force too fast, and half
regretted that he was hurrying his book-education so much.
" The doctor was exceedingly kind, and the visit has left on me
a very deep impression. . . .
"Nov. 7. Dr. Noyes's lecture on the Deluge yesterday rather
startled me. It seems like tearing away something dear, to start
doubts, and compel us to throw away what from our childhood
we have been accustomed to reverence. He seemed to make a
strong case. I have not yet read other views ; but it seems to me
pleasanter far, at any rate, to believe childishly, and not try very
violently to disabuse people of their prejudice, if it be only a
prejudice in such cases."
We cannot but feel that this cautious, reverent spirit of the
student was far removed from intellectual cowardice. He
was young, and the road was all new before him. It is
interesting to reflect, however, that such has been the change
in the theological world during the last thirty 3'ears, that a
large proportion of Dr. Noyes's critical opinions, ripened
through his own judgment, and contact with distinguished
biblical scholars, have been accepted by the best minds in
all denominations. Dr. Noyes's spirit is not destructive,
and his religious nature never appears to suffer from the
critical habit of mind necessitated by his pursuits. The
very conscientiousness which he carried into these studies is
the best witness we have of the power of his religious char-
acter and faith, which nothing could overthrow.
" M came home yesterday, and renewed the communication
there. How blest I am in having such a home ! Absence is good
in increasing my appreciation of it. ' '
In speaking of his home so warmly, he leads the way for
us to look at a letter to his mother, which must have been
written about this time ; although there is no date. The let-
64 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
ter shows his strong feeling for his mother, and is particularly
interesting because he was not what was called demonstra-
tive generally in his letters. We quote a little from it :
"DEAR MOTHER, Your continued ill health is the cause of
the only real anxiety I have.
"More and more, as I think of it, I am beginning to appreci-
ate how much I owe to you.
" It seems sometimes as if I can trace all the good habits and
principles that I have to that training which only a mother can
give, and which I received from you. If the consciousness of
such a work so faithfully performed on your part does not carry
its own reward, I am sure there is laid up for you a reward in
heaven.
"I am convinced that your depression of spirits is owing to
your bad health, and hope that the coming change of weather
will bring you well again. ... It must be good for us sometimes
to feel as though there was nothing to afford us any comfort but
the never-failing love of God.
" I do pray and trust that you will soon be in your usual health
again, as I am sure that this period of illness cannot help being
for good.
" Affectionately,
"CHARLES."
Such letters as this must have been gratifj-ing to a mother
from a son, whose deeds generally spoke louder than words.
Sometimes his sisters would playfully chide him because his
letters home were so short and concise ; but they fully ap-
preciated them, knowing how many brothers would forget
to send the weekly bulletin at all, and acknowledging to
him, that he got into his one or two pages of note-paper,
with his short sentences and clear hand, all the little things
they wanted to know.
CHAPTER VIII.
STUDENT-LIFE.
1840-1850.
Self -Condemnation. Importance of Health-.. Frolic in Boston.
Home --work and Play. First Sermon. Compliments.
New Tutorships. Great Day at Concord.
"TTTE see the student now thoroughly interested in the
V V work of the school, and follow him again through
his journal, which shows us his inner as well as outer life :
" Thursday, Nov. 8. Have commenced with a plan of reading
Shakspeare critically together as a substitute for our Somerville-
hill shouting excursions. It bids fair to be very good and pleas-
ant. I believe that I, even, may get up some taste and appre-
ciation for poetry; and it is a satisfaction to find, as I do, that
others, who I supposed were very familiar with such authors, are
as deficient as myself. . . . Friday. Took a long walk. Shak-
speare comes on grandly. I am giving my clock a respite from
the task of alarming me in the morning, and find, from two-days'
experience, that I am really able, from being free from drowsi-
ness, to accomplish more by having this much more sleep. . . .
Sunday, Nov. 18. This is the last day of my minority. To-
morrow I am twenty-one. I cannot realize it. I used to look for-
ward to this day with the highest hopes, feeling, that, by the time
I had reached this point, I should be in the midst of usefulness,
and high in all good attainments. And so I could. But how am
I now? I feel, in looking back, that much of tihe ardor and lofty-
spirited determination which used to underlie my quiet temper is
gone; I have less to spur me on within me; constant failures on
66 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
my part to keep my resolutions have dispirited me. Still, there are
occasional flashes; and let me at any rate make each day show
some striving ... Saturday. Left for home with M . I
have written to-day on the love of man. The past week all Bos-
ton, Cambridge, etc., have been filled with gloom on account of the
supposed murder of Dr. Parkmau by Dr. W of the medical
school. . . .
" Let me keep constantly in mind the duty of taking care of
one's health. Think of the chance of having my means of use-
fulness cut short by my own neglect, and, while I do live, of being
enfeebled and crippled in my influence. . . . Monday, Dec. 17.
I have just heard of the sickness of Mr. D . He is in a very
critical condition. . . . May God support my pastor in his trouble,
spare him if it shall be his will, and prepare him for any event ! . . .
Tuesday. In the afternoon yesterday I went to Boston, not
very well, and not anticipating much pleasure. They were to have
a glee-sing at Mr. Johnson's. We had a frolic, besides the beautiful
singing. We played fox and geese. Mr. W and I performed
the ' Dumb waiter,' etc. We were able to wish each other a Merry
Christmas before we separated, and had a most magnificent time.
. . . This frolic has done me good every way. . . .
" Monday, Dec. 30 Had our meeting for religious conversation
in my room. . . . Some poor fellows are to be sent off for a too
boisterous welcoming-in of the New Year last nigh.t. ... Mon-
day evening. On Saturday last I went to Boston, and attended an
auction to buy a carpet for my next term's room, meaning to
get a cheap one; but I saw a good Brussels carpet, and, before
I knew it, had bought it at 80 cents a yard. The carpet amounted
to $45.40. It has been troubling me ever since, interfering
with my enjoyment of worship, my studies, etc. It has done one
thing for me. It has made me see plainly my want of manli-
ness, and of all that which is gained by a mingling with affairs.
Now, I have worried over that carpet more than I should have
allowed a man ought to over a loss of thousands, carrying it into
Sunday. I seem to have no idea of the value of money, nor knowl-
edge how to use it. Often I let the questioning whether I shall
spend for a ride instead of walking to Boston, or save in some little
thing, consume more time, if my time is worth any thing, than
would pay twice over the expense. I would like to have some
worldly experience. I would like to learn how to employ the
STUDENT-LIFE. 67
money I earn. I wish not to save for the sake of hoarding. To-
day the money which I should have spent in riding to Boston I
gave to some beggar-children, and walked. I believe I am too par-
simonious in many things. . . .
" Friday A.M. Came home. Made a round of visits. . . .
I wish to improve this vacation in cultivating social qualities.
Let me keep this always in my thoughts; and now, when I have
no such excuse as want of time, let me be ever on the alert to
please others and afford them enjoyment. This and the building-
up of my bodily health must be my particular care, and so may the
vacation be profitable to me. Saturday. I gave the day pretty
much to my furniture-making, planing boards, etc. ... Mon-
day eve. Three engagements to tea, and Miss Emery's Shakspeare
reading. Called on Betsey L . . . . Tuesday. Our cousins,
the Clarks, came from Manchester; as court begins to-day."
The Clarks to whom he refers were the Hon. Daniel Clark
of Manchester, N.H., and his wife, who was a beloved niece
of the elder Mr. Lowe. Judge Clark in a letter says of
Charles, " He was one of the truest men that I ever knew,
kind and sweet in his disposition, sincere, charitable, de-
voted, ' an Israelite in whom there was no guile.' We all
not only respected, we loved, him."
" Wednesday. Went into the high-school in the A.M., and
enjoyed it much. The classes did finely. In the forenoon the
cousins from Greenland came over. . . . M. J and dog also
came from Boston. Something of a family now. Had magnifi-
cent weather. ... Sunday. Mr. H preached. We filled
two pews. Had a very pleasant time in Sunday school. . . .
Wednesday. Pretty much occupied in packing up my furniture,
etc., for the freight-train to-morrow. It counts a home-made
barrel-chair, rocking-chair, one hour-glass table, two stools, two
book-cases (one for M ), one sulphur-bath, one standing-desk.
Quite an array."
We suppose a great portion of this simple furniture was
the work of his own hand, from what we have read in his
journal. Its homeliness, compared with the costly fit-out of
68 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
many a student now at Cambridge, would probably be very
noticeable at this day.
We have recorded here some little jottings of home-life,
because they show us how he passed his vacation : the hospi-
tality of his mother's house, the cordial intercourse among
the relatives in neighboring towns, the drives back and forth,
the " teas " out, the coming and going, all give us a
pleasant idea of a New-England home. We see him, too,
everywhere thinking of others. He calls to see all his old
friends ; and if there is one old and lonel}*, or poor, he is
sure not to forget her ; while in the mean time, if anybody
is to be taken to the railroad station, he is the one to go.
And when the machinery of a houseful of company is clogged,
his quick and sj'inpathetic eye sees it at a glance, and he
thinks of all those little remedies which come to the mind
through the instinct of love and practical cleverness, a
love that always finds wa}-s to help those who are in trouble.
We take up the journal again at Cambridge :
" Once more in Cambridge. . . . The latter part of my time at
home passed very pleasantly. ... I was exceedingly gratified with
little tokens of esteem from my lady-friends. From one, a pitcher
and mug; from another, a paper lamp-shade; from another, a
' Pickwick ; ' from another, a little lamp, etc. I shall value them all
very highly. ... I don't want the fellows in the entry to be shy
of me on account of my proctorial authority, but would like to
have them visit me freely. ... It has spread fast that I would
be glad to have them call, and the factitious merit of proctorship
makes them seem anxious to do so. I, on my part, hope to make
myself on pleasant terms with all of them. ... Tuesday,
March 12. Found the recitation to-day in Plutarch and ecclesi-
astical history yery interesting. It seems quite like old times to
recite, and certainly it is the way to learn. I know that an hour's
recitation does me more good, in fixing in my memory what I have
read, and in giving me a facility of expressing myself, etc., than
two-hours' reading. . . . B and I are about forming ourselves
into a reading-club.; the book not yet selected. . . . Bought
Shakspeare with the money earned by teaching my pupil, my
STUDENT-LIFE. 69
first earnings. ... I have another pupil, a nice little fellow.
... Friday. I preached my sermon No. 1. It was compli-
mented, the delivery and all. Dr. F wants our class to con-
sent to preach Sunday evenings at Divinity-hall Chapel, before a
regular audience from the town. The others seem quite disposed:
I hang off . I haven't quite confidence enough yet. . . . Mon-
day, April 3. They say that I may have the chance to fill the
vacancy in the Greek tutorship. Further, there will be a vacancy
in the Latin department; and I might without much doubt step
into that. How does good fortune come to me! I cannot help
feeling that it is forced on me. None of these things have been
secured by any energy of my own in seeking them. They seem
to have been got by my fortunate connection with others who do
work."
What a model young man, to be so delighted with an
opportunit} 7 to do more work than his daily studies required !
We should say this sadly, rather than jocosely, if we felt that
this work was all drudgery to him ; for he had much better
been occupied with walking, riding, swimming, and leaping,
than with this incessant round of lessons in addition to his
own studies. The severity of the picture is softened some-
what, however, by the fact that he speaks often of " enjoy-
ing" this work. He liked the discipline for himself; and
his sj'mpathetic nature loved to come in contact with young
minds, and stimulate them. Yet he must have felt the
fatigue afterwards. It was none the less a wear upon the
tissues of a body so delicately made, upon nerves so finely
strung. Let the enthusiastic student beware, not only of an
overworked brain, but of overstrained social and intellectual
sympathies. We will hear what the young student has to
say of his course :
"I hope now that I may make a profitable use of this. What
strikes me particularly among the advantages of the offer, is the
discipline of teaching, and the advantage from the intercourse with
the Faculty. The salary, of course, is not to be despised.
" Sunday. I went home Fast Day. I gave them a start.
Father evidently thought, as once before, that I was sent away,
70 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
and showed his anxiety by neglecting his usual care in entertain-
ing his guests. Pamela's [the old domestic] tongue quickened its
rattle, delighted to have somebody to listen to its music. The next
day I spent in calling, etc., and enjoyed every moment. In the
P.M. I set out some grape-vines. Saturday. Ran about among
the neighbors. ... I find I am chosen tutor. I am to begin with
the 'Iliad.' I had hoped to introduce the ' Memorabilia.' . . .
Monday, April 15. My first recitation. The class is divided into
three divisions, so giving me three hours a day to work. They re-
cite very well. ... Tuesday. History at eleven o'clock. My
boy from one until two. My mathematical class from two to three.
Rather a hard drill then. It was difficult to make an impression,
though they seemed willing to learn. My books from Mr. D
came from Exeter. They make quite a show. I have really, I
believe, negotiated a bargain for his set of Calvin's works at the
library in Exeter. ... Thursday. To-morrow is a great day
at Concord. Rantoul gives an oration; Lowell, the poem. At the
dinner, Sparks gives an oration, and Everett speaks. My class
want me to give the third division a miss for it. I believe I shall.
" Friday A.M. Mr. D died this morning early [his pastor].
He was conscious an hour before he died, and called all his family
around him. . . . How can I help looking back the short space
of time to the day when he was settled in the full bloom of youth,
in high spirits and bright hopes ? . . . I may be so taken away.
How important to be ready! How important a duty does the
frailty of the body make it, to live so as to strengthen the body, and
prolong life ! . . . How is it men can accomplish so much study ? I
listened on Friday in the library to Dr. Francis talking with another
man about books. Why, I was discouraged almost ! titles that
I bad never heard of ; and they seemed familiar with the books,
the authors, the publishers, and all."
These extracts from his journal may repeat the life of many
a divinity student, remind him of his mistakes, recall his suc-
cesses, and perhaps guide a little those who are just entering
upon theological study.
CHAPTER IX.
NEW RESPONSIBILITIES.
185O.
Faculty Meeting. Professors' Dignity. Fugitive -slave Law.
Quack Doctors. Letter to Student. Hard Drilling. Letter
from Dr. Horatio Stebbins.
E j'oung student is beginning now to feel the respon-
-J- sibility of his new position as teacher as well as learner.
He is chosen a member of the college faculty. He is so
modest, that his honors sit rather uncomfortably on him ;
but we shall see that he soon forgets all about them, in the
earnest and sj'mpathetic spirit with which he goes about his
work.
''Monday, April 21. A new event. My first faculty meeting.
To begin with, I went in at the wrong door, knocked, which they
were not used to, and I had to go in without a summons. They
received me very cordially and jollily, Dr. Walker, Levering,
Sparks, and Felton. They all shook hands, and did their best to
entertain me. The others came in by degrees, the whole board,
all in good humor, ready to laugh and joke, and by and by began
business, calling over excuses, voting privates, disciplining fellows,
etc. I was very much pleased with the manner of conducting
things. I little imagined, when an undergraduate, that a student
was talked over and understood so well.
"Tuesday. Going into prayers this morning, a freshman in a
rush took me by main force, and bore me before him up the stairs.
Poor fellow, he was thunderstruck when he saw my face, and, after
recitation, apologized greatly. I eased his fears, but cautioned
72 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
him for the future. But after dinner he came again to renew his
apologies. It comes about as awkward as possible for me to face
this taking off hats, and low bows, to myself. ... I haven't quite
decided whether to give up my boy, or not. I shall hate to: I
am quite attached to him. . . . The sophs are a wild set, and
I suppose will be rather unruly. All high bucks, I guess. I shall
only have to keep them in order. Perhaps some of them may want
to learn. The freshmen will probably do so, and I shall try to
teach them. ... Saturday. My two classes came for mathe-
matics. The freshmen seem really anxious to learn. The sophs,
too, pretend they want to learn: if I find they really do, they shall
have all the help I can give them. . . . Dined with my father at Mr.
Johnson's. He went home to be at the church-meeting on Monday,
which decides the question about having Unitarian preaching occa-
sionally in Exeter. It seems the majority of tax-payers and voters
are in favor of Unitarianism. . . . The church-matters in Exeter
are settled strangely. I can't sympathize with so much want of
Christian sympathy. . . . Monday. Faculty meeting. A junior
suspended for supposed insults. He feels badly. I met him. I
don't think his blunt way intends insult, as the faculty construe it.
" Tuesday. Wrote a dissertation on image-worship. Saw Dr.
Walker. He gave his views on the slavery question. He says he
certainly should not obey the law which should tell him to assist
the slaveholder to recapture his slave. He would hide him rather.
He should consider this a civil crime, and would suffer the conse-
quences. He would not do their dirty work for them. He makes a
difference, too, between submitting to a law and positively obeying.
We may submit to it by not meddling with it until it touches us,
and then in suffering its penalties when we disobey it. He will
not Jet the law compel him to do what he thinks morally wrong.
He acknowledged the evil, from examples. If I, I said, can disobey
the law which I think wrong, any one may say he can disobey
another which he disapproves; and so we have confusion. He
thinks practically this will not be found a great evil. When there
exists a law which good men will not obey, it must be changed.
. . . There is a chance of my having Dr. Beck's place. Think of
it, Latin professor! This evening another young man wished me
to put him through the Greek of this term. I refused, unless for
ic enormous sum of thirty dollars, which ought to have deterred
him. But he says it is an advantage to him to have my certificate,
NEW RESPONSIBILITIES. 73
and he is coming. I have called on another physician. The re-
sult is recipes, and a big bottleful of medicine. His theory is, that
inaction of the system is at the bottom of my troubles. To neglect
myself is dangerous. I could get along well for some time, but
the typhus fever would probably carry me off. He goes for a
regular clearing out of the system. Sulphur and bitters and
emetics."
Poor young man ! These theories all sounded well to him,
as undoubtedly did those of the other physician. He was
alwaj's perfectly lo}"al to the master whom he submitted him-
self to, either in learning or in the healing art. He knew
how to obey. He knew he was not right, and these men
who made this work of medicine their business must know
better than he. If he could only have obe3 T ed mother Nature,
she would have gradually and gently showed him, what his
conscience already hinted, that he was working too hard.
Our best and greatest physicians nowada}*s happily are not
at war with nature. They study profoundly the simple and
yet sometimes hidden laws of human life, and see how the
gentle alleviations of rest, change, air, good food, wholesome
companionship, occupation, happiness, work wonders with
the bodil}* frame, tortured with a thousand recipes, and its
own unwise use of life. But we will follow the patient with
his doses.
" Took my first dose. Sunday, very weak; could hardly get to
church.
" Monday, May 13. The medicine has made me feel badly
enough. Dr. D tells M that this Dr. S of mine is a
quack; but at all events I am under way now, and shall persevere
in my faith. I am not sure that this medicine has not produced
one good effect so far, in taking away all inclination to eat. After
dinner I felt so badly that I went to Boston to see the doctor. He
says the medicine is doing right, and gives another recipe, which
I begin on after supper. Have been reading Lives of Wilberforce
and Luther in ' Stevens 's Miscellany.'
" Tuesday, May 14. Had to miss my first class to-day. My
74 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
medicine does not affect me well. I will continue in hope. I only
pray for health that I may be able to take a useful part in life.
" Thursday. M urged me to go home. I went to Boston.
The doctor prescribed an emetic. Slept at Mr. Johnson's. Went
to Mrs. C 's to have my emetic administered. The apothecary
said it was awful. They all tell me to give up this doctor's stuff.
"Saturday. Very weak; naturally enough. . . . Such violent
shocks to the system cannot be beneficial. . . .
" Tuesday. I said a few words at Mr. W 's meeting at the
chapel in Boston, my first on the practical character of Jesus'
teachings. The audience was a fine one. I want next term to
be profitable to me. I read to-day again most of H. Ware's Life ;
and what a lesson it is, this picture of our comparatively small
achievements from feebleness and sickness ! and is it not in a great
measure our fault? I have lately been indulging considerably in
pleasant dreams of the future, of being settled, and of my prospects
of usefulness, etc. ; and I want to let such visions come often: and
I would have all my desires concentrated on this one point, the
field which I have chosen. ... I must give up, next term, this
private tutorship. It has completely swallowed up my professional
studies. I am growing cross, though. C speaks of the choice
of profession and the necessity of a stimulus. It comes over me
often, the fear, that, if settled in the country away, I shall not be
spurred up to work, and so rust. How much we need at the
Divinity School to be spurred on ! Might not I do something to
enkindle life there? Am I doing any thing at all towards it? "
The C whom he refers to often, and who gives him
here the suggestion in regard to a stimulus in life, was Pro-
fessor J. P. Cooke. Professor Cooke, in a letter, says, " I
was associated with him for two years in the government of
the college, and I retain a most vivid impression of his pure
and loving nature. I shall never forget the open-hearted
smile and gentle manner which he always retained, and
which gave an ever-renewed assurance of his kindly feeling.
We seldom met in after-years. I am exceedingly sorry that
I am unable to render you any efficient service ; for I assure
you, that I should feel myself fortunate in being able to con-
tribute something to the memory of one whom I so highly
esteemed."
NEW EESPONSIBILIT1ES. 75
" Sunday evening. I called on Dr. Walker. He and his wife
were alone. I enjoyed it much. He spoke against the plan of
writing a course of sermons on the same subject. Always finish
your subject in the sermon, and don't let the ground be large. . . .
Wouldn't I like to be in the family of such a man! I liked Mrs.
W very much. . . . President Sparks called me up about the
vacancies, and asked me which I should prefer; the professorship
being with a tutor's salary, and to continue one year. I told him
then that I should prefer the professorship; but I have thought it
over, and believe, that, after all, I had better stay here two years,
using the library, writing, and enjoying all these advantages. . . .
" Thursday P.M. I went home. Father and the girls met me
at the station, and then was the commencement of a very pleasant
visit. Found every thing looking beautifully. . . .
" Cambridge. A copy of the following letter I sent to L .
It seemed to me, that if, in this way proposed, I should help a
worthy fellow, I should be doing just as I ought to do, and should
do better than to take the pupils myself, and receive the money.
" Letter to , who left his class about the first scholar last
term, on account of inability to pay his expenses.
" 'June 27, 1850. I have not the pleasure of a very close ac-
quaintance with you, but still enough to make me wish you were
going to finish your college course.
" 'Now, my position here has given me an advantage which I
shall value very much if it can be of service to you. Several have
been to me, wishing me to be their private tutor; and it occurred
to me, that perhaps, if I could get and transfer to you enough pupils
to pay your expenses here, or without taking up a great deal of
your time, you might like to spend your senior year with your
class. If you would like to do so, will you write as soon as you
can; and I think I can secure some this term. Excuse me for
the liberty, and believe me, etc.'
" Monday. Now, as the end of the term comes, I have come to
the hardest part of my work with my class in mathematics, etc.,
getting the money. I would give a large percentage to any one
who would take the unpleasant job off my hands. One poor fel-
low, for instance, is sent away. It seems hard to charge him for
all this. I am glad to know they are all rich and able, and it isn't
76 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
I who put the punishment upon any one; but I have the weakness
of not sufficient brass to conduct this business with comfort.
"4th July. Promised to go on a chowder-party down the har-
bor. . . . Heard good news yesterday, that T y is to enter our
class next term. I wrote to him to tell him how pleased I am.
... I am chosen Latin tutor. H is studying in my room,
anxiously preparing for to-morrow's examination. He is here be-
cause it is a more quiet place than his own room. . . .
" Tuesday. My pupil has passed an agonizing day. I have
now, in coming home from church, sent him to walk to Boston to
brighten him up. He has studied faithfully for a few days, if
never before. I hope he will get in well. I feel a good deal of
his anxiety. ... Thursday, Aug. 29, 1850. After a hard day's
work with examinations for admission to college, and one or two
faculty meetings, etc., I have returned from Exeter, and find it
very pleasant. My room is the same. . . . Faculty meeting this
evening. I was pleased at the warmth of feeling shown by them
generally with regard to matters in the world. Mr. Channing,
on beginning to read a speech of Webster, was so struck and dis-
pleased, that he could not read it through. He told his feelings
with such simplicity and fervor united, that, if I had thought as
differently as possible, I should still have liked him very much
the better for it. I wish I could feel that I could make myself
really acceptable to call often on these men. Their society is cer-
tainly elevating."
We can judge somewhat how such men felt about him by
some extracts from a letter written by his early friend and
classmate in the Divinity School, now Dr. Horatio Stebbins
of San Francisco. We give them here, making some allow-
ance for this friend's partiality.
..." Everybody believed in him; and, if Charles Lowe said so,
that was enough. He had the elegance and refinement of a scholar,
and the weight and momentum of moral excellence. He was be-
lieved in by long-headed men like Dr. Walker and Dr. Noyes, etc.
The confidence that he inspired in himself among older and expe-
rienced men, almost took him out of the ranks of his fellows,
and promoted him to the place of wisdom. . . . Never was there
a youthful reputation more completely fulfilled in manly life and
NEW RESPONSIBILITIES. 77
experience. What he was as a youth, that he was as a man, with
the added force of years. All the difference that anybody could
detect in him was, that he was Charles Lowe still, only more so.
. . . But he was not an isolated individuality, cut off from all
around, but a diffusive personality that drew wisdom and truth to
itself as the sun sends forth his beams o'er all the earth, to fill the
cisterns of the sky. He was naturally conservative; but his mind
had in it all the points of the compass, morning and evening, and
noonday and midnight. He appreciated Nehemiah Adams and
Theodore Parker, the Book of Genesis and the Gospel of John.
He believed that truth, in its own essential nature, is progressive,
and not revolutionary. It was this that made him so valuable as
a counsellor among men of different views, and of almost repellant
individuality. And it was this, also, that made his friendship a
fountain of wisdom and love to those who were near him." . . .
We have had in this chapter a peep behind the scenes into
a college tutor's life, which, if not so edifying as the work
of the theological school, at least shows us new phases of our
student's character. He is beginning to have enough of this
kind of life : these double duties, and his uncertain health,
and, above all, his interest in his chosen profession, will
impel him to give his attention more exclusively in future to
the special work for which he is fitting himself.
CHAPTER X.
A NEW HOME.
1850.
Good Spirits. Dr. Walker. Thoughts about the West. New-
England Country Parishes. Anxieties for the Future.
TT^VERY thing looks promising to our student. He has
J-^ gained the home now which he coveted in Cambridge ;
and his opportunities, both for teaching and learning, are all
that he could wish, if his bodily strength will only prove
equal to his high aspirations. But we will let him tell his
own story.
" Sunday, Sept. 1. Heard Dr. Walker preach on the dangers of
college-life. . . .Evening. Looked over an article of Dr. Ware's in
4 Christian Examiner,' on Sydney Smith's 'Moral Philosophy; ' was
particularly struck with an article of the latter on ' Study.' He
says, ' Determine to be interested, and you can be. Make yourself
believe that it is the most interesting thing in the world that you
are about.' That's the secret. Tuesday. I have hardly ever felt
any thing more like homesickness. This vacation I have been so
much out of doors, and felt so well, so elastic for it, that now the
change comes hard. I have caught myself several times almost per-
suading myself that a student's, or any confined, life, is not the life
for me, and that a more active one is needed for the proper devel-
opment of my nature. May God direct me right! ... Sunday,
Sept. 8. T has come. I have just been with him. I expect
to gain much from his society. I am going also to board at Dr.
Walker's."
We quote here a few lines from a letter of Dr. Walker :
A NEW HOME. 79
" The affection was mutual, dating back to the time when he
was an undergraduate. For most of the three years passed by
him in the Divinity School, and as a tutor in college, he took his
meals with us; and, as a natural consequence, my wife came to
love him as a son. But this is only to say what everybody is
saying, everybody loved him. Our loss is great indeed, but our
consolations are infinite; and among these we do not forget, that
with so delicate and frail a constitution he lived so long, and was
able to do so much, and to do it so well." . . .
It is interesting to read the following record of a conver-
sation with Dr. Walker. It shows the true breadth of the
doctor's mind although his temperament was naturally con-
servative and the secret of his influence with the young.
" Monday, Dr. W , speaking of Cicero, thinks his opinions
about religion are too much thought of. He was much such a
man as Bolingbroke, or at least Shaftesbury, certainly no better,
a mere worldling, a highly polished, elegant man, but of no sound-
ness or great strength. What introduced the conversation, was my
mentioning him as experiencing the want of a revelation to assure
him of a life to come. The doctor thinks this all overrated. He
says, that though the good of the revelation is immense, yet it is
only as additional to the natural evidence, and of consequence, not
for being greater than the other, but of a different kind, and of a
kind more satisfactory. Matters of opinion are never fixed, may
change everyday: but facts stand; revelation fixed the truths as
facts. Still, he thinks reason alone can work out future life, and
did, even among common people. The argument that Cicero pro-
fessed himself unable to find support for it, is nothing, says the
doctor. Cicero had no religious feeling; yet he did find some
support, as much, perhaps, as a great many Christians now. It
is only a few who have their faith sure. Faith then was not so far
inferior to what it is now as is supposed. Indeed, if we were only
to have one kind of evidence, he would prefer that from reason to
the revelation, and thinks it most dangerous to hang the whole on
the truth of the fact that miracles were wrought, and that, if this
one thing is to hold up the whole, it is enough to make our faith
in it shake, make us tremble to think, that upon our believing in
this one thing (miracles) depend all our religious hopes. . . .
80 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
" Monday, Sept. 30. Jenny Lind is taking everybody by storm.
To-day I took my first turn at extempore preaching. Handed in
also sermon on self-denial The principal event lately affecting
my mind is the commencement of my duties as superintendent of Mr.
Waterstou's Sunday school in B , which took place last Sunday.
. . . Have been reading to-day the Life of Wesley.' ... I heard
last Sunday a sermon of the Wesley sort in an Orthodox church,
which, though preached poorly, was yet most stirring, and made
the Unitarian-essay kind of sermon which I heard the other
day seem cold and hard. I could not help thinking what would
have been the effect of this Orthodox sermon if it had been deliv-
ered with the fire and eloquence of such a man as Wesley. I
cannot but believe that we ought to borrow this somewhat, and
introduce it with our style of preaching." . . .
The times "that tried men's souls" were coming on in
the history of our country. He is perplexed with the ques-
tion of slavery, abhors the thing; and yet he is cautious
lest we should hurt the white man's government in trying to
serve the black. He learned gradually, like all of us, that
nations must follow the right, come what will.
" The question of slavery is agitating every mind. Shall we, or
not, cry out against the efforts to reduce again to bondage those
who are among us? On the one hand, the duties of patriotism;
and on the other hand, friendship, brotherly love. Which shall
prevail ? It is truly a perplexing dilemma. But can we help
listening to the high call of humanity ? Then conies a question,
however, whether, by thus agitating the country about giving up
to their masters a few individuals, we may not be riveting the
chains more strongly on those who remain in slavery? But no:
it seems as though the only way of removing the curse is by ex-
citing the world against it. It is a curse to the world. ... I
pity the slaveholder, and wish from my heart that something could
be done to relieve him of this bane. . . .
"A T ou. 6. Talked with Dr. Walker about natural religion.
He thinks Mr. Norton and others who set up revelation so entirely
above natural religion, more at fault than Theodore Parker. He
believes, that, before revelation, men might and did come to the
knowledge of God and immortality ; that still the arguments from
A NEW HONE. 81
reason are the main ones; and that thinking men often rest their
faith in a future life and the character of God, on the arguments
from reason and nature, not from the Bible. Still, I think, in spite
of what the doctor says, that there seems to be a strong other side.
It seems quite reasonable to me, that, now that revelation has given
us a light, we can see and appreciate the other argument as we could
not otherwise have done: it is different whether we know what the
appearance of the cavern is, or whether we must grope our way
about it in the dark. And our preaching is not so much to argue
that there is such a being as God, etc., as to arouse men to con-
sider and to act upon it. I agree that the fact of heathen men not
having acted as though they believed, is no great proof that they
did not believe. The fact, that, during the plague in Athens, people
caroused worse than ever, is quite balanced by the marked similar
conduct during the plague in London. It is, after all, something
that I want to satisfy myself about, whether it is really true, that
there was among the heathen any such grand belief that it was one
of the things learned from the mother's knee, as much a matter of
course as that we should die sometime, this doctrine of immor-
tality, or whether it is the Christian revelation, as I have sup-
posed, which did so make it a fact, and gave it authority."
These conversations with Dr. Walker seem doubly valu-
able from the fact, that we are not very likely to have a
memoir of him ; and such side-lights let us into those rela-
tions with young men, which many now living cherish as a
precious inheritance.
" Sunday, Oct. 17. Heard Mr. this P.M. preach in Boston.
His sermon was well written, and with striking quotations from
Chaucer and Shakspeare. But, in order for such things to be
profitable, there must be good judgment, and they must certainly
be used sparingly. This performance, I should take it, rather than
sermon, was good as such ; but it was not my idea at all of effective
pulpit-preaching. It was what one feels nervous under. ... I
think sometimes the West is the place for me. ... I can devote
myself there to what is so little chosen, missionary work. But
there are at the West great disadvantages. First, to myself as a
personal discipline. Would it not be likely to unsettle me as to all
habits of study, make me become a mere declaimer, with little
82 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
soundness and substance. Here, also, in a good country parish, I
believe there will be work enough to do, and without many of the
temptations and hardships of the West. Here is the literary
advantage, too, and a settled feeling, which must, after all, be
quite a means of promoting interest, and preventing indiffer-
ence." . . .
We are impressed with the thought of the great progress
which the West has made since this time, when our student
writes of its hardships and its poor opportunities.
"A T oz>. 19. My birthday. Oh that I might, on this next twenty-
third year of my life, imbibe more of thy spirit, O God, and pur-
sue with more earnestness the work that is before me, and serve
this cause among men ! . . . Oh for a seat among the faithful in the
heavenly courts ! . . . I have read to-day an article on Chalmers,
and one on Neander, in the ' Prospective Review.' In both, though
they are so different, we see illustrated the same element, which is
the only and the almost certain element of success, earnestness.
In Chalmers this seems indeed the great power of his preaching.
His sermons were not, it would seem, brilliant in themselves ; nor
was his style a model ; but the tremendous earnestness of the man
gave the preaching its effect. . . . Neander, with all his power, we
cannot help looking on as some precious thing, too delicate and
sacred to be touched. . . . We almost forget, in our admiration of
his simple warmth of heart, his great intellectual power. ... My
sometime favorite plan of having a small, out-of-the-way country
parish for a few years, seems liable to many objections. First,
going without the feeling of its being my home for life, would
make the interest less on both sides. I need, and everybody does,
to have difficulties to spur. Put me where a little will do, I shall
stop at a little; and perhaps my days will drag along at this. It
would be easy to fall into content with taking interest in churn-
ings, etc."
He shows here a little of the juvenile idea of the retired
country, mixed somewhat with the suburban self-compla-
cency which we dwellers near cities are apt to be guilty of.
Later in life, he said, that a smaU parish gave a young man
time to grow, physically and intellectually ; while a country
A NEW HOME. 83
audience is often sounder in its taste, and more capable of
unity : these churches produce an effect on the community
around, which more than counterbalances the advantage of
increase in the numbers of people near cities, who are
continually moving in and out from one town and parish to
another. We know, in fact, that he gave such advice after-
wards to young men just from the school, however brilliant
might be their powers. We see, from what follows, that he
fears, though he may covet, a more exciting life.
"The only way seems to be, to plunge into a struggle. My
health stares at me. Another plan occurs, of determining on a
plan, and then taking a voyage, and getting the advantages of
that. But the lot is cast in the lap, and the whole disposing
thereof is of the Lord.' . . . Let me pray to him for his guidance.
Sunday, Dec. 15. Sunday school. Made an extemporaneous
prayer for the first time. The prayers are usually from the service-
book. ... Thursday, Dec. 20. T has gone home to-day. My
term is drawing to its close. Can I feel, as each day passes, some
real advance in moral and spiritual growth ? ' Length of days con-
sists in wisdom, and an unspotted life is old age.' Thursday.
S has just gone from my room. He is in quite an excite-
ment modest, though at the success which is attending his first
preaching. ... Christmas Eve. I am quite unwell. I have
painful languor and debility, particularly forenoons. But how
many things nave I to bless God for!" . . .
Here ends another chapter of his journal. We have fol-
lowed him through all the windings of his thought, the self-
examination, the encouragement, and the discontent. He
may seem to us very undecided and changeable about his
plans for the future. But who of us, if he were thinking out
aloud to his friends, would not perhaps show a record of as
much self-dissatisfaction and indecision as he? He never,
however, loses heart ; and we must remember that he is not
talking to the world. In the world he was always for action,
and spent no time in viewing himself.
CHAPTER XI.
PREACHING-.
1851.
Anti-slavery Discussion. Calls to Parishes. Letters from
Friends. Tutorship. Hazing Freshmen. Self-criticism.
HHHE student is now beginning to come before the world,
-*- and use those powers which have been nurtured in the
quiet retreats of the school of theology, and still more in
the constant contact with every-day life, the home, gar-
den, the store, the village lyceum, the college frolic, the
tutorship, the walks to Boston, the Sundaj 1 school, and a
thousand influences which are constantly moulding and en-
larging the nature. We think we may say truly, that one
of the chief causes of whatever success he ma} r have had in
life, was the habit of never letting slip any opportunities,
however small. "We see it in the early determination with
which he threw himself into the debating societies at Exeter.
None could be more modest than he. But he would not
shirk the chance of learning to speak with ease : no one
dreaded it more. We have heard him say, when a settled
minister, before he entered on the freer work of the Asso-
ciation, that it was his first impulse to run from a meeting if
he thought they were going to call on him.
We take up his journal again at the eventful hour when he
begins to try his powers. The practice of keeping a journal
must be of service in giving a permanency to good habits.
To many of us it would be intolerable. But he did not wait
PEE ACHING. 85
for grand moods or events. If he had, he never would have
written it. His journal was simply the result of a moment's
patience and retrospect. At a certain hour he jotted down
a few words, and it was done. Yet the aggregate of it helps
us immensely in our picture of his early life. Man}- appar-
ently trifling records we have preserved, because they were an
index to character; and we have left out details of events,
however interesting, which do not reflect light upon him.
" Thursday evening, Feb. 27, 1851. Another term, and the end
of another vacation, and of rather an eventful one. My preaching-
life has commenced. ... I have had each time the same two ser-
mons. I believe I have gained by it very much in confidence, in
knowledge of what I need. . . . Father spent the night with us,
and announced his purpose of going to Europe with his nephew
Capt. Salter in the clipper ship ' Typhoon.' The factory has sus-
pended operation, and he can conveniently go. Wednesday a
gentleman from East Cambridge called on me, asking me to preach
again, and telling me that both S and I were very much liked,
and they would be willing to settle either of us ! I was as much
surprised as pleased. . . . My prize dissertation is pretty nearly
done, but I have no sermon on the stocks. . . . Parishes are being
broken up now by the fugitive-slave excitement. ... I cannot
justify quite that conduct on the part of the ministers, which makes
them thus destroy their means of usefulness, without, on the other
hand, accomplishing any thing for the cause itself. I do not, in-
deed, agree with the other extreme, who look on the law as though
the whole affair were merely a question of property, and cannot let
the claims of humanity have any weight. The slaves who have '
run away, and settled among us, married, and got children here,
etc., have a claim on us; and I must say, that claim would outstrip
all the considerations of property-claim that the owner might bring.
The only thing that would bear upon the scale is the consideration
of the good of the whole country, and the race of slaves themselves.
So far as such a law is necessai-y to preserve the Union, I would
abide by it."
Such an assertion as this latter, from a } r oung man who
was certainly not wanting in moral courage to do the right
86 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
when he saw it, shows us simply what a mixed feeling there
was in the community (entirely independent of property
considerations) in regard to the right and wrong of the ques-
tion of the Fugitive-slave Law. It is just as wrong now to
call such men cowardly, as it was then to call the Abolition-
ists fanatical, and dishonest towards slave-masters. Most of
us require to be brought by slow degrees up to the accept-
ance of great public reforms. There are eagle-eyed people
who see afar the danger, who want to crush the wrong at
once ; and well for us that we have them. It is also well
that we have the slower, and yet conscientious, ones, who
restrain these fiery leaders from being too impetuous. "We
will hear what more the cautious young man had to say on
this sore subject :
..." I think some of the Abolitionists have put back the
interests of the slave. But, on the other hand, it is hard to say
whether, had they been less strong, the general tone of feeling on
the question would have been so high; whether some must not go
away to extremes, in order to pull the masses towards a proper
state of view; whether now it may not be well that some are
driving so strongly into the feelings of the community, and fixing
the public sentiment against the wrong of it, in order that the
people may come up to what shall be a proper expression. But
preachers sometimes, instead of making an impression in favor of
the slave, only irritate and exasperate all except those who think
the same, and make those of opposite views more set in their ex-
treme. . . . May God lighten our eyes to see what is best! . . .
" Monday, May 2. Last night I preached my trial sermon at
the church in C , on the 'Influence of Christianity.' To-day
have been hearing several criticisms on it, and it is a pretty curious
and interesting test of character to see how differently persons
speak of it. Some have not force enough to do any thing but
praise, and pretty generally so. The criticisms are very widely
diverse. Those of Dr. Noyes I take more to heart, and feel
to be worth all the rest. He says, All you want now is, to
cultivate earnestly and deeply the spiritual element yourself, by
meditation, by reading, by prayer, etc. Let it be so fused in your
character and soul, that it shall express itself in your sermons,'
PREACHING. 87
etc. This I feel to be the thing. Oh may I supply this deficiency
by the assistance of God! . . . To-day Dr. F tells me, that at
South Boston they want me, also at East Boston. . . . My pres-
ent plan is, to stay in Cambridge as tutor, write sermons, and
preach, own a horse, and be careful of my health. ... Sunday
evening, June 8. Have been to Quincy with Dr. Noyes, to relieve
him half the day. I enjoyed it very much. We dined at the old
Adams House, by invitation of Mr. C. F. Adams; and a very old
house it is. Took tea at Mrs. Lunt's; had a very pleasant time.
..." I have got the first prize (Rev. Dr. Frothingham, Putnam,
and Mr. Huntington, committee). ... Friday evening. I have
just read my prize dissertation to a few who came, at Divinity-
hall Chapel, and was gratified by its reception; though I believe
I have all along been sincere in my belief that it was very poor.
... I am afraid all is tending to make me vain. God, forbid
it! and let me forbear to mention myself, so as to make occasion
for persons to praise me. I am afraid I have far too much love of
praise. Saturday, June 28. How can I rid myself of a deeply
besetting sin ? O God, only thou canst help me 1 Indolence and
instability, are they not going to be my ruin? ... I let my
thoughts wander to-day, and have accomplished nothing. A pre-
cious day has gone to my account. . . . To-morrow I am to give a
labor of love for B , whose mother has died within the week.
She, for a few months past, has been gradually sinking, and all
the while has spoken of death as freely as of going a journey,
cheerfully and religiously, full of a noble faith. There was noth-
ing at all sad in the event. Oh, when he told me of it, how it
made me glow ! What a rich faith ! Shall I ever have it ? ...
" Sunday, July 6. To me an eventful day, as being, in human
probability, the last Sunday on which I am to attend church as a
hearer. Next Sunday I am to preach for Mr. W , and, after
that, am a free minister of the gospel. This is communion Sun-
day; and how fitting every way that I should make it a special
occasion of meditation, examination, and prayer! "
He has spoken so often of his relations with the Sunday
school and societ}" in Boston where the Rev. R. C. Waters-
ton was then preaching, that it will be interesting to quote
from a letter written by Mr. Waterston :
88 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
. . . "As superintendent of my Sunday school, he was often
called to explain difficult passages of Scripture, or to give his views
upon important, and at times abstruse, subjects connected with
duty : he was always ready with a clear and admirable exposition,
concise and masterly, and yet so simply stated, that some persons
might not realize the ability of which it was the result. All diffi-
culty and obscurity vanished; and the truth stood before the mind,
as in the June light of day. . . . Nothing was said for effect or
display. To do what was right, to think what was true, seemed
the natural law of his being. . . . He was punctual, methodical, and
exact, not in any mechanical manner, but as if there were no other
way possible. He seemed the very embodiment of truthfulness
and fidelity, yet with such a genial spirit, there seemed a charm
in each word and deed, a peacefulness and harmony. To do the
best thing in the best way appeared with him to require no effort.
. . . With old and young he was a favorite. A bright atmosphere
seemed to be around him, and a glow of sunlight to mark his path-
way. One could understand, in his case, why the ancient artists
surrounded the apostles with a halo. And I confess, his memory
still, to my mind, seems encircled with light." . . .
" Wednesday, July 16, Exeter. The eventful day is over, and we
are through. The day was more interesting than I had expected.
We didn't anticipate any thing of an audience, and felt very little
interest in the occasion, except on the doctor's account, who seemed
to stake his happiness upon it. But there was a respectable audi-
ence, and a very large number of ministers, who all seemed to
have come with good feelings, and willing to be pleased ; and the
result of the day made it really one of the happiest of my life.
Monday, July 20. Preached yesterday in Milford, Mass. . . .
July 27. Preached in Portland. . . . Aug. 3. Preached for the
Broadway Society, South Boston. A ug. 10. Preached at Dor-
chester. . . . They asked me to go again. . . . Aug. 19. Preached
at Bath. ... In the afternoon I did pretty well, but in the morn-
ing a powerful-toned Shanghai rooster persisted in a not-to-be-ri-
valled crowing through the service. It is astonishing to find how
much such little things can do. Another thing, quite as bad, was
the tenacity of the flies, which, from the dog-day weather and the
new paint, were plenty, and seemed uncommonly disposed to sting
and tickle, and determined to have their time upon my nose. It
PREACHING. 89
was flattering to me, however, to hear the talk about myself: it will
do good in spurring me on. They really do seem unanimous and
enthusiastic about me. I can't help feeling a little frightened.
Can I ever support the reputation I seem to have ? I hear it from
all quarters; yet I am so ignorant, even upon the most familiar
matters! And to think of taking in charge to such an extent the
interest, the mental development, and eternal welfare, of a number
of souls, is really appalling. ... Friday. The sophomores had
begun their exploits in hazing freshmen in rather a boisterous way,
saturating beds with oil, etc. We resolved to prevent it if possible.
This evening I went to my freshmen's room, and found them hud-
dled seven or eight in fear. As I was watching by my door, I saw
a suspicious-looking fellow going up ; and I followed behind; and,
when he went into the room in fourth story, I recognized his voice,
and could guess he was one of them. I tripped before him; and,
when he and others were opposite my door, I came out upon them
with a light. They scampered, and I after them, up-stairs, and
all together went into the room from whence he came. All was
quiet then. I inquired for . They pretended to know nothing
about him. But I sat down, telling them I came up to see him,
and should wait until he made his appearance. Two different par-
ties came and knocked. I let them all in, and took their names.
They were just the ones to be about this business. Then I told
them to go: and after waiting a while, and saying it was hard
for him to hide a great while there in fourth-story room, I went
and looked under the bed; and there he was, curled up, and
hiding his face. I threw up the bed-clothes, and exposed him, and
then sat down till he came out. Then I told him this was a serious
thing; that I should be his friend as much as any one, but would
do my duty in stopping this business ; that was all I cared for ;
that there was only one alternative. I should report him, and he
would be sent off, or there should be no hazing on the part of his
class this year. He haggled; but I insisted, and left it so. I think
this will prove an effectual stopper. They all behaved very gen-
tlemanly. ... Sunday. Preached in Newton. Have to preach
in Chelsea, also in Brooklyn; next Sunday in South Boston. Met
a committee there by request."
What young girl, with a dozen lovers to choose from,
could be in a more perplexing and really injurious position
90 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
than a young man just from the school, with good talents,
and the parishes eager to secure him? As the girl's char-
acter, and chances of happiness, would be very much greater,
if she were limited to the society of two or three sensible
young men, not at once lovers, and had time to develop her-
self, and grow ; so the young minister would do far better if
he could be kept away from all this adulation, spend a year
or two in the neighborhood of one or two quiet country
parishes, learn the working of things, get his hand in, and by
and by find himself, by the force of circumstances and con-
geniality, stepping naturally, without any wear and tear, into
a parish. But we have not got to the end of this parochial
courtship, and must see the young man through.
" Wednesday, Nov. 5. S ordained. The exercises, I hear,
were very interesting. May God bless him! ... Wednesday,
Nov. 12. A ordained. I went. Dr. Gannett's charge was
very striking. . . . The South- Boston people are talking about
giving me a call. The Springfield people are going to invite me
to preach, and I must also preach in Chauncy Place. ...
Dec. 8. Preached last night at Newton Corner. Have received
from Mr. B of Taunton an invitation to take his place for a
year, while he is in Europe. They tell me that Chauncy Place is
taking a vote upon me. ... I wish all these things would put a
spur into me, to make me write more. I am afraid they may give
me too much flattery, and make it harder for me to bear repulses
and reverses, a haughty spirit before a fall.' I don't know why
it is that everybody is so talking about me, and all favorably,
though, to be sure, not so much as about S . I am sure, that,
so far as literary qualifications go, I don't at all deserve it. I am
afraid it is all from a false basis of expectation, and the reverse
will be sure, and all the more striking. . . . O God, forgive and
sanctify me 1 I wonder if I am ever going to find it possible to com-
mand myself. I hear others speak of spending such hours of the
day in this or that, as though they could. I can't (?). . . .
" Sunday, Dec. 14. Engaged for three Sundays at Springfield.
... I know I must show my failings. My deficiency in conver-
sation is mortifying; but, in all I see, I carry a sort of make-up,
by the reports they have heard of my success in preaching, which
PEE ACHING. 91
I don't understand. Constantly I hear of such expressions from
intelligent persons, too, and sincerely spoken as 'splendid mind,'
'scholar,' 'preacher,' etc., wise prophetic shakes of the head in ap-
proval and praise, 'We must have him here,' etc. I feel that
there is a sort of rumor spreading, as it goes, in my favor, which
I am afraid is going to work me harm. I believe my very want
of expression, etc., when they meet me, my quiet silence, etc.,
give a fresh mark: they think there is the more hid. . . . Sun-
day. Preached for Mr. in . How one can read the
preacher in the congregation! Mr. Huntington's society was so
earnest, really it was rather frightening. Here all seemed to make
it a matter of course to be listless and sleepy: children turned over
leaves, and read story-books, etc. It was stormy, and very few
were out: particularly in the P.M., it was like preaching to walls
and cushions."
Nothing depressed him so much as a listless audience.
"Whatever might have been the scope of his early sermons,
he was accustomed to command attention from the begin-
ning ; and, ever after, he felt the need of sympathy between
himself and his listeners, in order to preach well.
CHAPTER XII.
CHOICE OF A PARISH.
1852.
Visit to Brooklyn. Letters. Perplexities. Mr. B. Peabody a
Advice. Accepts at New Bedford. Bide in the Snow.
Note-Books. Class Programme.
WE find him now full of the stimulus which he had
gained, partly from rest, and especially from his
experiences in preaching. He describes, more particularly
than we shall quote, a stay of two or three weeks in Brook-
lyn, N.Y., where he had engaged to preach. He was there
in the midst of a charming circle of people, whom we New-
Englanders may take a pride in calling our own. Hospi-
table doors were open, luxuries and refinements greeted him,
congenial hosts and hostesses, beautiful children climbed on
his knee, philanthropic and aesthetic entertainments were
waiting in the cit} T ; and yet he was dulled by his weak body,
that would mar his enjoyment. It was an epitome of his
life, this visit. An influenza which would only have nettled
a strong man a little for a day or so, depressed his whole
system. ' We give a few touches from the diary of this vaca-
tion and visit :
1852. My visit in Brooklyn was the principal event
of the vacation. . . . Tuesday it was intensely cold. I suffered
from it. I walked, in company with hundreds, over the track of
Fulton Ferry on the ice to New Jersey, a thing rarely possible.
Pretty soon after, the tide turning, the ice broke up suddenly,
CHOICE OF A PARISH. 93
causing much danger and fright, but no loss of life. Wednesday.
Heard Mr. Pierpont's poem in the Lyceum. . . . Dined and teaed
delightfully. . . . Took a warm bath at the end of the week. Got
cold, and awaked Sunday with a headache, and three sermons to
preach. . . . Got through, but had a sore throat through the week
afterwards. . . . Saw old friends, and many charming families.
. . . Felt so sick at last that I broke the rest of my engagements
with friends. . . . Left for Springfield; preached, though not well,
and got home Monday night. ... In Brooklyn there was a vote
that I should be asked to preach again. ... March 5, Saturday.
This P.M. I went to City Hall to the Teacher's Institute. The
best was a lecture on drawing by Mr. Whitaker of England.
Capital. The man was clearly devoted to his art. The eye of a
genius, full of enthusiasm, and spoke from his soul. He made
me feel for the time, as though there is nothing so important as
drawing, so fruitful of delight in vacant hours, so calculated to
develop the finer tastes. How enthusiasm in any thing will kindle
it in others ! . . . March 14. Went Saturday to New Bedford. . . .
Left in company with Mr. Brigham of Tatmton, from whom I got
many admirable suggestions in regard to ministerial duties. . . .
Tuesday eve. Went this evening to a meeting for religious con-
versation at M 's room, the first of what promises to be a de-
lightful series. ... I feel the want, when I compare myself with
others, of a deep fire of spiritual life within me. And when, from
a moment of awakened flashing of light, I look upon the feelings
which predominate most of the time in my mind, in relation to
the ministry, I see that they are unworthy, low, and infinitely far
from the true and holy ones which I ought to feel. Wednesday.
This evening C is ordained over the East Boston Society,
leaving me thus quite alone. I did not go over, on account of my
cough, which makes the evening east wind an exposure for me."
The C of whom he speaks was Rev. W. H. Cudworth,
who is still at East Boston, fulfilling the true ideal of the
ministry, a long pastorate. Mr. Cudworth, in a letter,
says,
"I remember my departed classmate as a very industrious and
conscientious student, prone to follow every subject upon which
he started faithfully to the end ; never rash and self-assertive, al-
94 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
though independent and original. He was unusually considerate
of others, notwithstanding sometimes an entire assurance that they
were wrong and he was right. And this feature of his disposition
made him, not only delightful as a classmate in the discussions and
labors of the lecture-room, but most agreeable as a companion
during the recreations and social intercourse of Divinity-school
life. His fellow-students all felt that he would, if spared, occupy
a position of prominence and usefulness in the Church, and say
many things which would outlast his own day."
41 Went Saturday to New Bedford. ... I hear that the people
in Springfield are in favor of me. . . . March 29. Mr. A
called last night, and proposed my being colleague to Mr. AVeiss at
New Bedford. . . . The success in New Bedford made me feel
buoyant. . . . But last night I took tea with Mr. E. Peabody,
and consulted with him about New Bedford, and his conversation
affected me very much. He gave me, from his own experience,
an idea of the discouragements which are before me, particularly
bearing on the evil of going to an important permanent place to
run the risk of breaking down, to bear the flattering attentions
and praises which the freshness of a young new man will cover me
with for a year, and then the commencing coolness from without,
and the fears, weakness, feeling of exhaustion, etc., within. He
advises my keeping quiet for a year. ... I valued exceedingly
what he said, and it may make a point in my life. . . . Last
Friday I went to Portsmouth to preach. . . . Monday. Reached
Exeter to breakfast. At eleven set forth with Tiger, in the buggy,
for Cambridge by way of Salem. This morning awoke to a severe
snow-storm, the worst almost we have had this winter. I found it
would be impossible to get through; went a while to the Athe-
naeum, and began reading ' Uncle Tom's Cabin,' till it occurred to
me to try it on horseback. So I bought a storm-hat, and started,
the snow falling fast, and blowing faster. The man at the turn-
pike told me I was the only one who had passed. Fortunately the
wind was at my back, or I could not have got through. The drifts
were sometimes up to my stirrups. The wind was very boisterous,
the snow balling on the horse's feet. I reached C at 1^ o'clock,
and immediately took the train for Boston, to do an errand for my
mother, and send home word of my safe arrival. . . .April 19.
Went to Salem on Saturday. Was entertained hospitably, and
CHOICE OF A PAEISH. 95
had a very pleasant time. They wish me to preach more Sundays.
I suggested that they could know from these specimens, as well as
if I had preached a dozen times. . . . May 3. Oh, the difficulty
of writing sermons ! Oh what a mountain that seems ! About
parishes we can't follow everybody's advice. Some who have ad-
vised me to go to Springfield seem really hurt at the thought of my
deciding otherwise. . . . Friday. This evening a committee
came out to see me from New Bedford. They say they are deter-
mined not to have a denial. ... Saturday. Wrote to Salem,
declining to receive a call."
He decides to go to New Bedford : the Salem committee
are disappointed, and think he has not done quite fairly by
them. He was young and beset, and probably was not quite
judicious, being undecided, and balancing the two societies in
his mind, with personal friends pulling him each way.
" Wednesday. Received a letter from Salem, implying that I
had been guilty of unfairness in regard to them. I immediately
drove to Salem, reaching S about twelve o'clock. They con-
sidered that I was pledged to them. ... It really does look
against me. Still, I don't feel that I am much to blame. I
certainly had not pledged myself. . . . My error has been in not
having written to them, or seen them, and got released from my
engagement there, before accepting at New Bedford. My rea-
sons for not going to Salem, for writing a letter instead, were,
that, after having fully made up my mind, I did not wish to see
them, and have to talk the matter all over with them. I thought
not of causing them any thing more than disappointment. It
troubles me very much."
This was the only difficulty of the kind, we believe, that
he ever got into. When we see the haste and fickleness of
parish committees, turning from one man to another, we
must have indulgence for young ministers, bewildered with
invitations, and not wonder at their mistakes.
" Friday P.M. Went to New Bedford to see about a boarding-
place, etc. ... I am possessed with alternate hopes and fears in
regard to my prospects at New Bedford. I am not sure, but
96 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
I think, Mr. P 's warnings were right. I go, he rather hopes,
as a temporary step in the completion of my studies : if so, the
best place of discipline to be found. . . . Friday. Set out for
home on horseback, J with me as far as Reading. We had
a fine time picking flowers, etc. Reached Exeter at six P.M. All
well. Sunday there were efforts made to have me preach in Exeter.
M n M agreed, but Mr. H refused. I was quite sorry
any thing was done about it. ...
" The anniversary week has passed off very pleasantly. ... I go
mornings to the gymnasium with P. T , M , and M. F .
Enjoy it much. There is nothing so knits together hearts as
being all together about to close a common course of duty. Here
we are all ready to launch out into the sea of life. It is a pretty
uncertain one to me, pretty dubious. . . .
" Thursday, June 10. I have decided to leave Cambridge this
week; and I wish, if not interrupted, to record, and so try to fix
and understand, the feelings with which I do so. I rather think I
do not have the same feeling of being on classic ground, which
most others do. My thoughts are rather the sense of leaving what
is dear to me by its present interest, as holding many whom I love.
... I especially dislike leaving now, because so pleasantly situ-
ated with reference to the present graduating-class. B grati-
fied me to-day by saying that he was more indebted to me than
to any one else for kind words, etc., since he has been here. If I
only knew at the time that I were laying up a score of grateful
remembrances in such cases, I should be often kinder, when I fear
I am cross from interruption. In this particular case, however, I
feel that I have been benefited spiritually by intercourse with
him more than he by me in any way. To-night I had a delightful
walk with T and others. I this morning packed some of my
books, sold furniture, etc. I should not leave now, but rather
remain to graduate in this class; but mother is not well, and I
think it would gratify her for me to go now; and my throat
troubles me a little, and my old ailments are coming on." . . .
We have spoken of the careful notes of lectures at the
school which he kept the first year. He continued faithfully
the practice throughout his course. We find, as early as
1849, besides the notes we have already mentioned farther
CHOICE OF A PAEISH. 97
back, a substantial volume of abstracts, not only from ser-
mons and lectures, but from books he was reading, prefaced
with a thorough index of subjects. This kind of book he
continued to keep through life ; and, in spite of what some
admirable thinkers may say, in regard to the wisdom of hav-
ing valuable thoughts from others stored in the mind rather
than on paper, such a set of books as these must have been
very convenient, at least for a young minister, who, as soon
as he chose his subject, and began to enlarge, had readj 7 to
his hand two or three apt illustrations, or choice quotations,
to adorn his page.
We should not wish to give the impression that he was a
great student : for, although his powers of acquisition were
good, his mind was practical ; he studied for a certain end ;
and his object seems to have been, not to acquire a cer-
tain amount of knowledge, but to obtain that which would
be of most use to him, and to S3 7 stematize that knowledge in
his own mind and on paper in such a way as to make it
available for his work as a preacher and pastor. He had,
however, a great admiration for the scholarship which he saw
in other graduates of the school.
We believe we have made no record here of his graduating-
day at the Divinity School. If not, it is because we have
not found any in his journal : we have come across a little
printed sheet, yellow now with age, which tells the story of
Mm and his classmates, July 15, 1851. We cast regretful
eyes upon this little "Order of Exercises," because it re-
minds us of that pleasant " Visitation Day " which is swept
from the calendar of the University of Cambridge. We
give it here as it stands :
"1. Prayer, by Professor Francis.
2. The Theology of Sir Isaac Newton,
Mr. Adams Ayer.
3. The Importance of the Poetry of the Bible to the Preacher,
Mr. Warren Handel Cud worth.
4. Hymn for the Occasion, by Mr. Cudworth.
98 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
5. The Ministry of Richard Baxter,
Mr. Thomas D wight Howard.
6. The Practical Object of the References to the Divine Pur-
poses in the Epistles of Paul,
Mr. Charles Lowe.
7. Hymn.
8. The Nature and Formation of Myths,
Mr. Horatio Stebbins.
9. Hymn.
10. Prayer, by Professor Noyes."
It is a reminder of those choice hours when the venerable
fathers of our faith came up to hear the young men preach,
and welcome them into the ministrj 7 , and beautiful and
accomplished women mothers, sisters, friends sat there
in that charmed circle in the old chapel, and smiled their
encouragement upon the young shepherds, who were to go
forth, and feed the flock.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE NEW PARISH.
1859.
New Bedford. Home Visit. Ill Health. Ordination. Parish
Work. Visit to Gov. Swain. Sermon. Letters from
Friends.
T"T7~E find him now once more in his home, resting a little
VV after his preaching experiences, and the agitation of
mind in regard to making choice of a parish. His decision,
we have seen, was finally made in favor of New Bedford.
He was influenced to accept this call, partly from social con-
siderations, probably knowing what a delightful home he
should have in that refined community. A more self-compla-
cent young minister would have been unwilling to measure
himself with so eloquent a preacher as Mr. Weiss, who,
though out of health, was in the freshness of his powers ;
but the colleague knew that their spheres lay in opposite
directions, and that the practical work of the parish and
Sunday school would naturally fall to him as the younger
man. We will not anticipate now, but follow him for a
while in his home.
" Exeter, I am very glad to be once more at home. It is look-
ing finely all about here. ... Sunday, June 27. Went Satur-
day to Portsmouth with mother to preach for Mr. Peabody. I
preached in the A.M. not at all satisfactorily, being troubled with
the bronchitis in my throat, and being very dull. . . . And where
is the quickness which used to belong to me? I don't take natural
100 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
interest in any thing. O Lord, kindle in me an interest in my
own improvement, at least! "
This is a sad confession. There was nothing, however,
the matter with his mind, nor his conscience. He had a
healthy, happy organization, free from all morbid tendencies
by nature ; but he was suffering from ill health. In spite of
his ill feelings, we find him taking hold in his home, and in
the town, ready to "lend a hand" if any thing was to be
done.
" Sunday, July 4. During the past week I have been engaged
in helping in the arrangement for the celebration to-morrow, lit-
tle else, for I have not got to feeling better until to-day. . . . We
had the G s and S s and T s and G s to tea. My
sermon isn't written."
Good old New-England custom of teaing round ! but that
ghost of a sermon would come up.
" How much I shall miss the good advice I have at home about
proprieties, etc., and the continual reproofs and encouragements
and promptings ! Who can take the place of mother and father ?
. . . Tuesday P.M., New Bedford. Find my quarters very agree-
able. Last evening began the unpacking of my books. Find my
knees stiff with stooping. Last night they told me I should prob-
ably have to make a speech to-morrow night! Oh! Here I am
fairly in life. ... A levee in the evening. Got acquainted with a
good many. Had a cordial welcome from all. A fine day for the
ordination. ... 10^ o'clock. The day is over, but I feel little
like sleeping. ... I don't believe I realize fully what I am enter-
ing upon, and yet it seems like a tremendous plunge. . . . The
levee this evening was a magnificent affair. Mother seems to bear
it well. ... Dr. E. P. Peabody's address touched me very much.
Thursday. They had a children's picnic in the afternoon.
I had to make a speech. I made friends with the children. . . .
Mr. Peabody advises me to have a class of young men of sixteen
or eighteen years old. Some of the boys came to-night, and asked
if they might be in my class. He advises me, as to exchanges,
to do as I like, half the time if I wish; say nothing about it,
THE NEW PAEISH. 101
except that I am going to do it; don't discuss with any persons
whether I ought; there will always be two sides. Don't let peo-
ple discuss my sermons with me, either in praise or blame. . . .
Saturday evening. To-day found me quite weary, having to
prepare for the other services, and put the addition to my sermon.
The forenoon was nothing but walking, and trying to feel right,
calling, and sleeping. . . . Mr. Weiss called this evening; was
very cordial, and offered to take part of to-morrow's services, the
prayer, etc. : he says he has a library of two thousand volumes.
... I suppose I shall have occasion to think pretty often of the
remark which Mrs. Peabody says her husband made to her when
he left my room : ' It is very fine, but after a few days it will be
like a sailor at sea. He won't have much time to look at the sun-
set.' Sunday, Aug. 1. Cloudy day. Sprinkled a little, but
comfortable. Had a good number out, and a few kind faces kept
me up. . . . Mr. and Mrs. Peabody's kind faces did me good. The
singing was very fine.
" Mr. Peabody told me to-night that my sermon was just what
it ought to be. I was anxious to hear his judgment, and I care
not (I think I say with truth) what anybody else says. Never
want to hear it spoken of again. Mrs. P has been in tears;
for it has brought up before her what her husband was, when at
twenty-five years old he was settled in Cincinnati. The associa-
tions of the place, too, have awakened most tender emotions. She
sat in her old seat. She has two children buried here."
Mrs. Peabody, in a letter, says, " I am sure there is a file
of Mr. Lowe's letters somewhere, but I have not yet been
able to obtain them. I will not delay telling you how I
loved, honored, and admired him, and how anxiously I shall
look for your reminiscences. I think of him at Exeter, with
good old Miss Emery, travelling in Europe, visiting us so
familiarly, taking me over to see you at South Salem, and
again at Somerville, so childlike, so pure, so unaffected.
He combined ' the wisdom of the serpent with the harmless-
ness of the dove.' '
" Monday, Aug 2. The Peabodys left this morning. Re-
ceived my first present a dish of gooseberries from little Mary
102 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
H . . . . Find in 'The Mercury' the following: 'Mr. Lowe
preached an introductory sermon, which was much admired for its
modest dignity, ability, and Christian sentiment. ' . . . Read some
Greek, and in ' Jouffroy.' ... Saturday. Made calls. Several
are sick, I hear. Mrs. died last night. Through the day I
have been having a conflict with myself whether to go there or not.
I went early in the morning to inquire about the funeral, and sent
for Mr. Weiss. Finally I ventured. Found company there ; but
Mr. called the children, and I made a little prayer, and felt a
relief and satisfaction which makes me feel more as though I
won't hesitate again. I began to feel, as never before, that it is
sweet to have this ministry, to bring the sovereign balm to the
wounded spirits, to be able to speak with confidence of a Redeemer
who liveth, who has gone to prepare a place for us, who has left us
a hope. ... I do begin to feel the good of being put to work.
How pleasant is the tired feeling, joined with the conscious satis-
faction of having honestly come by it in actual service! Monday,
Aug. 7. ... Mr. Weiss is going away to-morrow, perhaps to
stay until September. His family are really needing the change.
... Thursday. Hear from home that mother has been quite
sick." . . .
The next few pages of his journal are taken up with call-
making, and the usual records of pleasant or bereaved homes,
which he indicates by brief jottings in his book. Here is a
tea, with charades, in a charming home-company of refined
people: there he meets beautiful and serene old age, wel-
coming him to the sick-chamber, or friends out of whose
home the light has departed. He throws himself into all
these human relations with a sympathetic heart, and feels
how great is the pastor's work, independent of the preaching.
Yet all this draws upon his time and strength.
" I feel, that, with all this outside work, I am letting the spiritual
inner man grow rusty. I don't find freedom or zeal in prayer. I
will spend more time in religious reading and contemplation."
We find a substantial parish-book, which he prepared at
the outset, with the names of all the heads of families and
THE NEW PAEISH. 103
of single individuals, written in a clear, fair hand. He gives
the occupation of a person, if married, who he married, and
the names of the children. This may seem, perhaps, unne-
cessary work ; but such a book must have been very conven-
ient, at least to a minister, who might often be saved from
awkwardness or blunders on funeral or marriage occasions,
by a knowledge of family relations. What a kind of dignity
the old-fashioned usages of Christianity have conferred upon
these human ties ! Next to the family Bible, with its dates,
is this book of the parish-priest, who records thus the mar-
riages and deaths among his flock. We go on with his
journal :
' Thursday. Returned this evening from home. Found mother
better. . . . M 's wedding went off well. There was a very
large gathering, and the weather was pleasant. ... Sept. 4.
Attended the funeral of Mrs. S . She died at Southampton
on her way home from Brazil. . . . This was my first funeral;
quite trying it was to me. ... In going about, I feel that I am
held far above my deserts, or my power of sustaining. . . . Some
will be much disappointed if I do not prove to be a very spiritually-
minded and developed person, with no ordinary cultivation too.
Others will not be satisfied, I am convinced, without some literary
cultivation and refined intellectuality. Many others won't be
pleased, unless I am very solid and practical, and, at the same time,
original, varied, and eloquent. What am I to care, though, for
men's opinions ? Nothing, to be sure, only as they happen to be
a correct index of what I ought to be How it ought to spur me
on ! How imperfectly it does so ! Oh how delightful, when I look
on the emptiness of this life, to feel that we can be making a
heaven by having every act, every moment, an occasion of duty
and virtue! "...
It is plain that the young minister is already physically
exhausted by his round of calls and his preaching. He is
getting nervous and careworn, for the moment at least ; and
that is the reason he fancied that he was expected to be such
a paragon of virtue and talent. He did not then realize,
104 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
what his after-life so exemplified, that the only things which
a minister of fair talents needs, in order to be successful in
the truest sense, are religious faithfulness, a sympathetic
nature, and moral firmness and energy of character. He
speaks of the " emptiness of this life," an expression drawn
from him evidently in a mood of depression : but how far he
was from "other worldism," we can see ourselves from the
next line ; because instead of saying, " Let me turn my mind
wholly to things above," he immediately says, " How delight-
ful to feel that we can make a heaven of this life ! " etc. So
it was with him through all his days. He always cheered
himself in hours of exhaustion or depression by the thought
of what he could do for others, and did at the moment what
his tired hand could find to do, if it was only giving "the
cup of cold water " in his home, or among his neighbors.
"Visited the afflicted widow, whom I saw some weeks ago. I
feel that the sympathy is easy, and does me good. ... Sunday,
Sept. 19. Mr. Weiss preached a grand sermon on the Beatitude,
'Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness.'
Really, it was splendid; and the church, still as death, showed the
appreciation of it. Tuesday. Fine day. Sailed to Naushon with
Mr. and Mrs. Weiss and the children. The governor was at the
landing, with Black Prince in big wagon, F in pony-wagon,
and white horse in another, to take luggage to the mansion. . . .
After a. good dinner we had a delightful ride. Such a ride!
After breakfast the governor had planned a hunt for us. I
shot at a fawn. Oh how the heart leaped up to see the pretty
creature bound out ! I saw a noble doe pass along a ridge ; head
and tail up, ears straight; fine sight. . . . After dinner I denied
myself a ride, to take my chamber, and write a sermon. Evening.
Went with Miss T on the lake, in a boat, by moonlight. Fri-
day. Out at sunrise picking grapes; got a fine lot; bathed after
breakfast, and lunched, and was conducted to the 'Glen,' and
' Robert's Arbor,' by Miss S . They all accompanied us to the
boat, and we are home again. It was every way a charming visit.
... Sunday, Sept. 26. Stormy. I finished my sermon on ' Law
and Gospel ' last evening. Felt well this morning, and enjoyed
preaching."
THE NEW PARISH. 105
This sermon is full of erasui'es, which he probably made
later when he saw its imperfections. It shows us that he
began to write, as he continued, a very direct, simple style,
somewhat argumentative, with here and there an attractive
quotation, but never florid, and sometimes a little deficient
in imagination. He made up for this lack in his mind, how-
ever, by the care with which he always chose the most effec-
tive illustrations. He repeats his text, and says,
" ' For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by
Jesus Christ.' ... In modern times this notion of a contrast be-
tween the two dispensations has contributed to a dangerous miscon-
ception. It makes two opposite schemes for human redemption.
The old was a stern covenant of wrath, ordained for the ruder ages
of the world. The new is a scheme of grace, for which old things
are passed away."
He then tells the story from Bunyan's " Pilgrim's Prog-
ress " about the man who overtook Christian, and knocked
him down, and he lay at his feet as dead. This man was
Moses: "and he would have made an end of me," says
Christian, " but another came up, and bade him forbear;"
and that was Christ. "But Moses," says Faithful, " spar-
eth none ; neither knoweth he how to show mercy to those
that transgress the law." Our sermonizer goes on to say
that " this idea is in our songs of devotion, and books of
theology." He continues,
" I would have those who think of Moses only as a stern old
law-giver, read that sublime song in which, at the close of his life,
he gives his last instructions and blessing to the people he had
led. Poetry has no words more thrilling and sublime; and do
they not breathe the spirit of a gospel of love ? "
Then he speaks of the love manifested for God in the
Psalms, "Who forgiveth all our iniquities, who healeth all
our diseases," etc. ; and the God of the prophets, who sa}'s,
" Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord. Though
106 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
your sins are as scarlet, ye shall be white as wool. . . .
With loving-kindness will I have mercy on thee." . . .
He then speaks of Christ as having proclaimed a law, as
well as Moses, saying,
" They make a great mistake who think of duty as a scheme for
waiving the divine claims on the human soul. ' Think not,' said
our Saviour as he began his ministry, ' think not that I am come
to destroy the law or the prophets : I am not come to destroy,
but to fulfil.' So far from destroying or relaxing one existing
rule of duty, he has made each more perfect and more impera-
tive. Never was there so high and strict a code as that which
he proclaimed, not a merely ceremonial, or even moral, one,
but one which reaches back to the heart; not content with the
outward observances of duty, but requiring nothing short of the
soul itself as a whole burnt-offering to God. . . . Superior to
the old law in the severity of its requirement, the gospel of
Christ is equally so in the certainty of its enforcement. In every
parable of our Saviour, every letter of the apostles, appears again
and again the strict law of retribution. . . .
"In what, then, it may be asked, does the mercy of the gospel
consist ? Not by lessening the requirements of the law, or relax-
ing its strictness, or lightening its penalties, but because Christ
himself holds out a helping hand, takes up the standard, and calls
on us, one and all, to follow him. . . . And human nature thus
addressed cannot resist, and so finds a strength of which it was
not conscious before." . . .
This sermon was, perhaps, not one of his best at that
time ; but he seems to have liked it himself. It is, at any
rate, a very fair type of his style of sermon- writing through
life. We do not claim for him any genius in composition,
but he was certainly what is called an effective preacher.
The first power in a public speaker is that of fixing the
attention. That he had, but it is also true that the sensa-
tionalist has that power : he had, however, along with this,
the power to make a permanent impression on the mind, to
send people home convicted, and with new resolves. Al-
though extremely modest out of the pulpit, it was surprising
THE NEW PAEISH. 107
to see the voice of authority with which he spoke when there.
One of his parishioners once said, " He was not a large
man, but how he seemed to grow in height when he stood
before an audience ! " Some one once criticised him because
he said, " You must, to the audience, instead of w?e," and
was too authoritative for a young man. But the truth is,
he never thought about himself, but only of his office ; and,
when once criticised for using too much gesture, he was not
conscious of his gestures at all. He was keenly alive to
sympathy. He was used to having attention from the first
day he began to preach, and he could do nothing without
it. When once or twice in the course of his life he came
home from a listless and inattentive audience, he was like
a wilted plant, or an instrument all out of tune.
We take up his journal again, and see how duties gathered
around him, and how earnest he was, how the " spirit was
willing, but the flesh was weak."
..." Sunday, Oct. 3. Mr. W preached a glorious sermon,
bringing tears to many eyes. ' I go to prepare a place for you.'
P.M. Not feeling well, and with a poor sermon, and church hot
and close, and the recollection of the morning fresh, I suffered a
painful afternoon. Felt quite giddy in the pulpit, and am con-
scious of having been insufferably dull. If people have stood that,
I think I am proof for a while. I am sure I couldn't stand many
such. ... I have proposed a reading-circle among ourselves here
in the house, which meets with great favor. ... I went home
Tuesday night. Helped father gather apples. Friday. Miss
Emery's birthday (seventy years old) drew to Exeter, in spite of
violent rain and snow-storm, Dr. E. Peabody and two daughters,
Mrs. W , Mrs. R , and Miss R . Saturday. Came
back. ... I have felt to-day, as often when I feel my reluctance
to study, and apparent taste for active employment, that this is
not my sphere. But here I am, and now let me, God helping,
persevere and be faithful. ... Sunday, Oct. 24. Preached in
the morning sermon on Mary's anointing of Jesus. Quite a good
audience, and it seemed to go well. I hope it may have been use-
ful in God's work. ... I am beginning the drumming-up in
earnest for the Sunday school."
108 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
We have testimonies of the good results of his labors in
the school from the letters of friends who were pupils, or
who aided him in his work. Miss Susan P. Swain, in whose
mother's household he had his home at New Bedford, and
who was his life-long friend, says, "The school was in a
most flourishing condition under his care. He endeared the
children to him by his interest and affection : all his instruc-
tions he made so interesting and impressive. Now that they
are men and women, he is fresh in their memories, and they
speak of him with the greatest affection. I have often told
you what I knew him to be to the congregation and society
generally, and to our own household. His memory is very
dear to us all."
Mrs. C. E. Stetson of New Bedford, who was a pupil of
his, not only in the Sunday school, but during the week,
writes,
"I find two letters which I send you, knowing you will like to
have them, whether you use them in your book, or not. As I read
them over now, there arises in my mind the vivid picture of the
young pastor and friends, and his cordial voice and frank smile
seem to live again in the words. Mr. Lowe was one of those rare
persons who forget themselves only to impress themselves more
strongly on those around them; and the young, with whom he
sympathized so readily, particularly felt his influence. My own
recollections of him are connected with many happy days, both as
the teacher of a Bible-class, and member of a little week-day class
of girls whom he taught. He made his lessons delightful to us
all. When he left the school to go to Europe, a very tearful crowd
of children and teachers gathered after the last lesson, to bid him
farewell; and his letters from abroad to the school and his classes
were always hailed with joy. A favorite hymn of his was, ' Go
when the morning shineth;' and, when he was leaving us, he told
the children he would like to have them sing it often, and remem-
ber him in singing it; and it was pleasant to hear the little voices
swelling out with ardor in Mr. Lowe's hymn. The little ones
were always his warm admirers. In a class I taught in Sunday
school, I remember one day a question about the ' wisest man '
THE NEW PARISH. 109
came up in Bible catechism; and a little girl spoke up, 'Isn't
it Mr. Lowe ? ' . . .
" The last time I ever saw Mr. Lowe was, I think, when he
came to attend the services at my father's funeral, when it was a
gratification to us all to have his sympathy."
Many of his best friends in New Bedford have passed
away, or we should have expressions of sympathy and aid
from others in our work. The Hon. T. D. Eliot, father of
the above writer, was one of Mr. Lowe's most devoted
friends and helpers. The Arnolds, whose generous and
magnificent hospitality was the pride of New Bedford, were
constant in their friendship ; and many more friends whose
names are unknown to us, in the other world or this, doubt-
less recall his labors of love.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
1852-1853.
New Bedford. Daniel Webster. Sunday-school Sermon.
Eight Hand of Fellowship. Parish Work. Poor Woman.
Farewells.
HE is now fairly under way with his Sunday school, and
begins to see the result of his labors. We shall soon
O
find from his journal, that he was endeavoring to bring the
people's attention to the subject by means of a sermon which
he had carefully prepared; but his mind is full for the
moment of Daniel Webster, whose recent death had affected
so deeply the country.
" Oct. 25. What a thing, when we think of it, the life of such
a man as Webster! So many relations of life he has filled, so
constantly with society, in one form or another, socially, civilly,
professionally! In this country how many thousands have now
some reminiscences of him! and now this news of his death brings
them all out. Thousands now are repeating little things about
him : things which seemed forgotten now come forward, show-
ing they were stamped by the indelible ink ; and the fire of this
event brings them out. How, perhaps, he now sees the whole
picture of them ! His death-bed scene I long to see in full. It is
a great study. Private ones are too sacred, but here the great
scene is acted in public. Such a man belongs to the public, and
he is one in whom no weakness would probably interfere to dis-
semble the truth. He is one whose great mind cannot until now
have overlooked the subject of death; and it seems impossible, that
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. Ill
with his strong will and intellect and judgment, even if the spir-
itual and moral were wanting (as there seems evidence they were
not), he should not have thought over the matter of his end.
Proud, majestic, unable to brook the opposition of man, he found
himself now face to face with the slowly approaching conqueror of
us all. He knew he could not resist. It must have been a spec-
tacle of grandeur to observe just how he would yield. What a
testimony to the reality and need of religion, to find that such as
he need precisely the same reliance as the weakest and poorest I
He rests on nothing else. The simplest truths of religion are his
hope; and precisely in proportion as he has made them his own, is
his hope firm, and his end tranquil and noble. ... I was quite
struck to-day at a remark of Webster's quoted, ' Not what others
do for us, but what we are doing for others, makes immortality.'
. . . Mr. Webster was discussed to-day at Mr. Weiss's. I cannot
look on him quite as they seem to, as if he were a wreck. His great
faults, were they more than corresponding to his general greatness,
considering his physique, more than ordinary ? He was not a moral
man: nobody pretends it. I am puzzled to make out his precise
position in religion, the value and reality of his professions. . . .
Oh what a character must it be that can stand unblemished when
the strong light and magnifying-glass of party feeling is thrown on
it, as it is on the candidates for office ! Heaven grant we may yet
have a race of statesmen whose characters shall blend the great-
ness of Webster with the goodness which God shall approve!
Meantime may God keep us ! ...
" I am reading Parker's sermon on Webster. There is much of
true and able writing in the analysis of his character. Much of it,
though, rather jars with the feeling awakened by cause of recent
loss. Affectionate tributes seem the more appropriate words at
first. ... I think allowance enough is not made by those who feel
disappointment at the 7th of March speech, for the general integ-
rity and strength of his character. I think Parker was right in
making W 's course something like this: Give him a political
emergence (as you would give him a law-case), and he will bring
up all its bearings, grasp all its difficulties, marshal all the dis-
orderly elements into order, and by the clearness and strength of
his intellect he will carry all through the difficulty, and all will
see the clouds of bewilderment clearing away, and feel conscious
of a great power at work. The difficulty lies in this : the want of
112 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
some great basis of a firmly established moral rule, to which every
thing is to be squared, so that in every case the aim is to be, not
merely removing the complication, and securing this point, but to
square all to the great rule ; to keep, above all, the guiding-star of
religious principle for state, as well as the individual, life; other-
wise patriotism the most unselfish is, after all, like the interest of a
lawyer for a client, even if it be liberal, pure, and unsectional. The
religious life of Daniel Webster I can't quite clear up; but I find
evidence, to me, of much to reverence. . . .
" Sunday P.M. I have organized successfully the Sunday school,
a good corps of teachers and pupils. Evening. I have a reputa-
tion, I fear, that I don't deserve; and I am afraid oh, I sometimes
feel almost a presentiment 1 that I shall leave ignominiously the
high post of duty I have entered. Sluggishness creeps over me.
I find myself longing to give up all, to take some farm, perhaps,
or do nothing, a readiness to die, as if that would relieve me
from work. O God ! be my support ; defend me from my own self-
indulgent thoughts ; make me love labor, love any thing which
I shall feel to be thy will, and for thy service."
This is profoundly sad. Not because he really thought he
had mistaken his vocation (this was only the dark mood of
the moment) , but because he was bodily unfit for his work.
"Monday. I worked chiefly on a sermon on Sunday schools.
Mr. Weiss is writing a Webster sermon. ... I feel as
though it would be better to wait until next Sunday for mine.
. . . Took tea at Mrs. W 's; and, after tea, Mr. W read
me parts of to-morrow's sermon. It will make a commotion; but
I was delighted with the thorough conscientiousness, and desire
to be just, and yet speak the faithful word. I am more and more
charmed with my colleague. ... Sunday. A pleasant day. Mr.
w delivered his sermon. It was long; but it kept the con-
science tender, the ears quick, and breath hushed, all the while.
I am sure it must be well received. ... Tuesday. The sermon
is published. All receive it well."
He rejoiced ever in the power and beauty of the senior
pastor's sermons, without any feeling of envy or discourage-
ment, but with fresh enthusiasm and zeal to do his part in
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 113
his own way, as well as his colleague did his. Now he gives
his Sunday-school sermon :
" Sunday, Nov. 20. Preached Sunday-school sermon. Pleas-
ant day, but shivered with cold in the church. I think it will call
attention to the Sunday school. That nourishes well, beyond hope.
... Monday. I find that my sermon Sunday, to my great sur-
prise, has delighted everybody."
This sermon is carefully prepared. We shall give frag-
ments from some of these sermons as we go along, tracing
the workings of his mind from year to year, in connection
with his daily record of facts.
His text seems to us well chosen. " And all thy children
shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace
of thy children."
. . . "Parents, this question affects the welfare of your child!
What do you most desire for him ? Is it knowledge ? Is it suc-
cess ? Then it is right: go on to cultivate his intellect, and neg-
lect the heart. Or do you remember that there is an eternity
before your child, with the happiness or misery of which knowl-
edge and worldly success have nothing to do?"
He brings up here, as an illustration of this assertion, the
recent death of Daniel Webster, how in all the glory and
splendor of his intellect, as he lay there on his bed, with his
admirers and friends around, and a breathless nation wait-
ing to hear his last words, he murmurs to himself with dis-
tinct voice, " Thy rod, thy rod, th} r staff, thy staff. That is
what I want."
He then takes up the Sunday school, and answers the
foolish objection, that it could ever be meant to take the
place of parental instruction. He says,
" I think there is nothing which is so much to be dreaded and
guarded against for the young, as a vagueness and indifference in
their religious ideas. Better ever so erroneous views, if they are
only fixed and definite views (so they be not anti-Christ), than
114 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
that they should go out into the world with no depth of faith and
principle, the easy prey to worldliness and unbelief. And this
knowledge, if acquired at all, must probably be acquired at the
Sunday school. The parents often have not the time to impart
it. It can only be given by faithful preparation on the part of the
teacher, and by having regular set times for attending to it. It is
much besides, that thereby the young are made accustomed to
confer with others on the subjects concerning religion, on which
elsewhere prevail such habits of reserve."
He is not too sanguine. He says he knows the drawbacks
which attend the Sunday school, the discouragements which
teachers must often experience, and it is better that they
should begin with moderate anticipations, determined to be
satisfied with moderate results. He ends his sermon by an
appeal to the parents :
" It is for you to remember that its efficiency depends on the
care of the parents at home as surely as on those who assist in its
instruction. Aid it by your encouragement ; aid it by your
prayers ; and may it be an aid to you in bringing about the result
which the text expresses, ' All thy children shall be taught of the
Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children.'
" Thanksgiving, Nov. 25. Sermon by Mr. Weiss. Glorious,
affecting. . . . Friday at Mrs. B 's. . . . Monday. Made
calls. Teaed at several places. . . . Friday. Teas and dinners.
Made calls before Christmas. . . . Have been engaged on my
right hand of fellowship for T . ... Wednesday. Went
to Springfield to his ordination. Thursday. Council met. I
was chosen clerk. Service at eleven. Dr. Burnap's sermon one
hour and a quarter long. Dr. Francis's charge excellent, but
thirty-five minutes long. Dr. Gannett's address to people, thirty
minutes. My right hand of fellowship, ten minutes. All very
interesting."
He had dreaded the writing of this part, not from any
particular reason, but because he always dreaded seating
himself down to a sermon or address. But how warm and
glowing it is ! It would not be worth while to quote a line
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 115
of it here. Such things are to be heard, not read. There
is nothing new or striking in it ; but it overflows with deep
emotion at the thought of the work before the young min-
ister, and especially with personal sympathy and affection
for the friend that he loved and admired so much, who was
about entering upon the career of pastor and preacher of the
Church of Christ.
We cannot refrain, however, from quoting a few words
from a letter of this friend, whom he was helping to ordain
with such a heart of love, the Rev. Francis Tiffan}' :
" No one was surprised at his giving himself to the work of the
Christian ministry. It seemed the natural career for one so pure
and so overflowingly benevolent. I think the only surprise of his
classmates was at the degree of executive ability he afterwards
manifested. In college we could hardly have predicted this of
him. Social charm and easy intellectual power were then his more
visible characteristics. The boy lingered long in his disposition,
that best pledge of a spirit of childhood, that is to be carried into
after-life, and to keep the heart young and hopeful beyond the
time at which so many settle into dull routine, and become pro-
saic, or material or cynical. This boy-spirit it unquestionably
was that marked, even to those who knew him best, the heroic
qualities he later manifested in his long struggle with disease.
How strong his love was for his chosen work, or what indomitable
strength of will and elasticity of spirit were in him, were signally
shown in the way in which he rose from one physical defeat after
another, refusing to surrender while there was ' body enough left
to hold that soul of his.' "
Mr. Tiffany has, with the true instinct of friendship, di-
vined aright this } r outhful, modest spirit, which, to the very
end of his life, led his friend to defer to others rather than
assert his own opinion, except when he was placed in au-
thority, as in the pulpit, or on the board of an association.
Then he threw off all modesty : he represented the place ;
and he never forgot its dignity and authority, even though
he were speaking to kings. If circumstances and the appre-
MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
elation of his fellow-men had not put him into conspicuous
places, these qualities might never have been known, except,
perhaps, to his family and neighbors. He would hardly
have been aware of them himself. We take up his journal
again :
Wednesday. A real New-Hampshire snow-storm. Had a
frolic in it. All this week I am busy on the Sunday-school cata-
logue. ... Monday. Tried table-tipping, which is all the rage
now . Tuesday. Visited schools. Attended funeral for Mr. T .
Worked on lyceum lecture. Delivered it in evening. Not success-
ful, I feel, at all; though the ' Standard ' thought ' it did credit to
twice my years,' and the 'Mercury' had a puff, written for the
sake of keeping up the reputation of the Unitarian Society.
Wednesday. Visited and . Worked on Sunday-school
books. Tea at Dr. G 's. Meantime where are my sermons? "
This last was a pertinent question. All the occasional
outside work he was doing, undoubtedly was of value in
giving him freedom of utterance, strengthening his influ-
ence in the town, and furnishing him with a knowledge of
men and things. But this round of hospitalities, delightful
as it was, in a place of so much refinement and culture as
New Bedford, must have worn upon his health (although he
enjoyed it), and cut in seriously upon his time for writing, as
he intimates. We believe the conclusions he came to in
after-life, and carried out in practice, were, that a minister
should call once a year on his people, go immediate!}' and
often in cases of sickness and sorrow, but, in place of accept-
ing invitations to dinner and tea, should make a point of
establishing and attending parish parties, where he could see
familiarly every one without sacrificing more than one even-
ing a month or fortnight to it. We have innumerable records
in his diary of these visits, which we have left out, however
pleasant they may be to recall. We have often inserted
jottings which may seem quite as trifling, but we have re-
tained them because they were of use to us, in tracing the
progress of his character and his habits.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 117
"Evening. Had Bible-class. Stormy day. Tuesday. Tea with
the W s. Wednesday evening. Magnificent time at the
A s. The Quintette Club gave a private subscription concert
there ; about a hundred persons present. Rooms admirably prepared ;
fine entertainment, etc. ... It is a princely family indeed. ...
Saturday. Heard of Mrs. B 's daughter being sick, and went to
her. She appears calm and beautiful. Such a scene did me good.
I offered prayer. She thanked me sweetly. There is clearly here a
strong Christian faith. The sting can be taken from death. . . .
Called at Mrs. B 's, the bereaved family. They spoke of the
good my visit did to the daughter, as being providential, etc.
Really, from what they said, it did seem so, both to 'her and me.
I felt better for my visit, and it seemed for my encouragement a
cause of thankfulness that my words were blessed to her. She told
all whom she saw afterwards of my visit. So I really have cheered
the way to the grave of one of the souls over which God has made
me, in some measure, the shepherd. What can I ask more for
reward than this assurance? Oh what power in these great truths,
if such a simple statement of them proved so potent ! . . . I feel
the ties are already cementing me to my people, the children
naming their birds after me, etc. ... Monday Went to Boston.
Saw Mr. Peabody (King's Chapel). He is about receiving a gener-
ous offer from his society of six-months' leave of absence, to make
a tour in Europe. . . . Attended the association meeting. ...
Sunday. Back again. Assisted Mr. W . . . . How fast the weeks
go round ! . . . Monday made many calls. Am not feeling very
well. ... I was gratified by several persons expressing pleasure
at the Easter sermon I have just written and preached. ...
Monday. Very rainy. . . . Called on Miss G , a sick woman.
It is beautiful to see how she is supported, and how cheerful she
is. Called on Mr. W , the artist, and had long talk on art.
Went to-night to schoolroom to organize a debating society. ...
Wednesday. Funeral of a little child." . . .
These little jottings would seem insignificant to us, per-
haps, if they were not the connecting-links of his daily life.
We see in them what he wanted to do, where he succeeded,
when he failed, or thought he failed, what his people were
doing in the way of kind hospitalities, and, best of all, how
118 MEMOIE OF CHAELES LOWE.
they were eager to co-operate with their young pastor in
building up their church, and training their children to be dis-
ciples of the Master.
" I am invited to give a lecture before the Teachers' Association.
... Tuesday. Had first meeting of society for discussions,
which I have started. I was made chairman. ... Friday.
Quite run down. Unfit for any thing. I suppose I have worked
too hard. The weather, too, is bad. ... Sunday. I preached my
sermon on death. I think I preached better than usual, but can't
tell. Tuesday Mrs. H called, being anxious lest I was doing
too much work with my class and other things. ... Monday.
Pleasant. Feel very poorly. . . . Had a bouquet hung on my door-
handle. Don't know from whom. ... Wednesday. Very weak.
Not fit to study. So I went with Mr. T to sail with a fisher-
man. Caught in all about two hundred fish. Came home tired,
but invigorated. . . . Engaged to speak at dedication of new
schoolhouse. Wish I felt well enough to think of something.
I can't command my thoughts enough to contrive any thing to say.
Saturday f M. Went to the dedication better prepared than I
feared. Gov. Clifford made a fine address. I spoke from mem-
ory. Gov. C took great pains to say something pleasant about
my speech to others. He does it, of course, out of pure kindness
for me, to strengthen me here." . . .
He was not likeby to be verj* much injured by praise while
he took it in that way. The governor, perhaps, did praise out
of pure kindness to the young man ; but how few of us are
clear-sighted enough to see into such praise, and modest
enough to be grateful for it!
. . . "I shall give up my drawing-lessons. They take too much
time. ... I asked Mr. (Orthodox) to preach Sunday. He
consented. Our people were much pleased. I hope it will do
good, in increasing a kind feeling between us. Their church is
being repaired. The most thorough Calviuist among them partook
of the communion with us last time." . . .
In the midst of all this fatiguing round of little duties, we
shall see that he was having moments of great satisfaction in
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 119
his pastoral work, and in the sympathy- which he was able to
bestow upon the young in their aspirations, and especially
upon the poor or afflicted.
" Called to see a poor wash- woman at the point of death by can-
cer. She was in wretched accommodations, in pain, anxious to be
released. Said she had been a passionate woman, but was a pro-
fessor of Christianity. Now felt quite resigned, eager, even, to go.
... It was an improving time to me. . . . Mr. C (Orthodox)
refuses to take any pay for preaching. Said he should take it by
getting me to preach for him some time when he happened to be
out of town. Wednesday. Went again to see the sick woman.
She is in the midst of sharks, and riotous sailors, etc., annoying
her in every way. She is obliged still, on her bed, to have care of
the washing, and, on returning the clothes, is liable to have them
stolen. She has over her a common picture of the crucifixion, to
which she says she turns ; and in her prayers she seems to feel the
presence of Jesus, and holds sweet communion with him. What
an example is here of the sustaining power of faith ! She says she
had been troubled about leaving her child, so that she could not
sleep, and prayed over and over in agony. Suddenly there flashed
on her the words, ' Consider the lilies. . . . Are ye not of much more
value than many sparrows? ' ' I am the God of the fatherless and
widow ; ' and from that moment no anxiety has come to her, all
has been peace. While I was there some one came in for clothes,
and they could not be found. She got quite excited, and showed
symptoms of passionate temper ; but it was overcome by her pre-
vailing frame of mind. . . . Have had a delightful talk with .
What a lovely character ! We talked about devotion." . . .
Delightful as all this field of duty is, he feels that it is
wearing away his life-force. He must save himself if he
would not fall down in the morning of life, with his work
undone. He casts his eye upon Europe, in the midst of
scenes that weary his sympathetic spirit, as upon a land of
rest : he goes home to talk over his thought, and the friends
there at once encourage his plan.
..." I am thinking some of a European experience. My
health the coming year ought to decide me. Many assure me of
120 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
the good I am doing here. But I am not well, and there is a great
deal of work to be done. Thursday. Went to call on the poor
sick woman Found the house in the midst of a brawl. Poor
woman, in agony at her own pains, and the horrid scenes she was
compelled to witness! Her husband, who had been steady for two
years, was drunk, and fighting with three or four sailors around.
I staid, and was the means of separating them. Made several
calls. Have decided to go home. ... Thursday, Aug. 25. Re-
turned, after an eventful visit. Found the family at Little Boar's
Head. It was very hot. Consulted them about a tour in Europe.
Mother was not well. That was my great objection, but my sister
G and the others thought it would do her no harm to have me
go. I have told Mr. W and others of my intentions. They
are all filled with surprise, and many kind words of regret were
expressed. A great deal of real feeling and interest is expressed
in the house where I am. All to whom I have spoken appear just
right. Most of them advise me to go, yet are unwilling to break
the connection. I have consulted them as to whether I am doing
right by Mr. W and the society. All tell me my reasons are
sufficient. . . . With the amount of visitingwhichwould.be ex-
pected of me, I should not have vigor and elasticity enough to do
what I ought for my own culture and growth. ... I am sure that
I would rather stay, and carry out my plans of Bible-class, socie-
ties, etc., than go. ... I submit to the society, to be read on Sun-
day, the letter of resignation."
This letter expresses much regret at the necessity of his
departure, and much affection for the people :
" Friday morning. Last evening spent in the house part of the
time with the family. This morning there was a paragraph in the
paper, announcing my intention with a kind expression of regret.
I have visited several, and almost uniformly find, together with
regret, a readiness to acknowledge that it is best to go. ... I
have seen Mr T . He is very kind in advising me, etc. Mr.
, I am told, wept. Mr. did also in talking with me.
Mr - sa y s the society will doubtless wish to make any arrange-
ment I may suggest, rather than have an entire separation. Mrs.
A is only too kind in her words to me. Monday evening.
Returned very tired from Boston, where I had spent an evening
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 121
making inquiries about Palestine. Nearly settled my plans, and
begged letters, etc , of friends. . . . Engaged my passage on ' The
Star of Empire,' Capt. Brown, for Sept. 8. ... M preached
for me. They appointed a committee to confer with me. Mrs.
H , the S s, etc , make very kind offers about taking care
of my things. Tuesday. Spent forenoon in arranging books and
papers. P M. Met the committee. We talked long; and finally
it was decided that I should go, retaining a nominal connection,
but not such as to embarrass the society, or to pledge me in the
slightest degree. ... I am going to call on the aged and the sick,
not on the whole society. . . . Received a handsome present of
Macaulay's 'Lays,' from my class, and 'History of Port Royal'
from Miss A . Wednesday. Felt too tired to do much. Capt.
came from D to bid me good-by. What an affectionate
interest he shows! Dear, venerable man! It is hardly likely I
shall meet him again on earth. He clearly is seeking to live near
as he can to the source of life. After tea I began my farewell
sermon. Thursday. Called on sick and aged. Mrs. H lent
me her chaise for it. I meet everywhere the same kindness. . . .
Saturday. This forenoon a beautiful watch came to me on
behalf of Sunday school. I hardly know what to say in gratitude
for such kindness, and what I prize as highly as almost any thing.
Poor Miss G sent me a pin-cushion, worked for me by herself
in the intervals of pain, upon her bed of suffering. ... Sun-
day, Sept. 4. Pleasant. Many persons went out to church to hear
my farewell sermon; some from other societies. Mr. W made
'the prayer, and read the hymns. As I preached I noticed many in
tears. Mr. W made a beautiful prayer. At communion I
made the address. . . . Bade good-by to many. ... In the morn-
ing all the household got up to bid me good-by. . . . Mrs. B
and Mrs. II came in the cars, and Mrs. T . The two last
went in the same coach with me. So New Bedford, good-by !
What a kind Providence placed me in so favored a spot on many
accounts! May the blessing of God be with them all! Little
H. H foregoes seeing the Crystal Palace in New York, for the
sake of coming to see me. ... I am free from any pledge here,
but I may come back. The future is with God. . . . Exeter. I
am writing at Exeter, after all my dearest home, in the bosom of
the family, where I can sink and rest. No place like the home
of my father and mother and sisters, and of all dear associations.
122 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
" I close this Tuesday morning, Sept. 5, 1853, in the clutter of
preparation, expecting to-morrow to go to Boston, and Thursday
to sail I To sail from kind friends, none ever had kinder,
from dear scenes, trusting, that, under a merciful Providence, I may
return to them, stored with what may benefit them and me. May
He preserve and bless them all, is my last and fervent prayer ! "
CHAPTER XV.
JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND THE EAST.
1853-1854.
Voyage. Sight -seeing. Liverpool. Glasgow. Paris. Al-
exandria. Nile Boat. Pyramids. Dining out on the Nile.
Terrible Disaster. Weeping Bais. Justice Impending.
WE begin a new life for our young minister, worn out
with sermon- writing, speech-making, visiting, many-
ing, consoling the afflicted, and burying the dead. A won-
derful privilege he felt this work to be ; and he carried away
with him very tender memories of this parish, his first love.
But his delicate frame was unstrung ; and he needed to go
to entirely new scenes, and rest.
We find records here still, in the shape of letters to his
mother, begun immediately upon the water. Any life of
ordinary interest, we think, would be valuable to the reader,
where the subject of it has furnished such a constant mate-
rial in the way of a simple and natural diary of thoughts
and events. Human nature is always so interesting, that
the young seize upon the least exciting novels of every-day
life and conversation with avidity ; but they would, perhaps,
be equally satisfied and more benefited by the average biog-
raphy even, especially when much of it is in the form of
autobiography.
We quote a little from his first letter to his mother, remem-
bering that he came of a sea-faring race, which explains the
124 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
minuteness of his records of the voyage, which records we
shall not have room for here.
" SHIP ' STAR or EMPIRE,' Thursday, Sept. 22, 1853.
" Dear Mother, . . . I never loved the ocean half so much as
now. I haven't felt a moment of sea-sickness, nor of sickness of
the sea. Were it not for what I expect to see beyond, I should not
feel anxious to have the voyage at an end. I feel better than I
have for a year, and all the glow of health goes to heighten the
enthusiasm of my admiration."
He goes on to describe the passing of vessels, schools of
porpoises, here and there a whale, Mother Carey's chickens,
and all those sights, which, thirty years ago, were more
novel to the imagination of the reader than now. He takes
hold and pumps with the sailors for exercise, or pulls at the
ropes ; and the same boy-like young man who liked to work
and talk with them, they find the next day is reading the
church-service over a child who died on the passage. So he
does not get wholly away from being the minister, even at
sea. He appears to have gone in a sailing-vessel.
" Monday, Sept. 26. Liverpool Bay. You see, we are not yet
arrived. The truth is, we have had a pretty severe time of it.
. . . The gale was fearful until night. Our topsails blew to
shreds, but the ship bore it nobly. This morning, after long
trial, a pilot succeeded in boarding us. We have much reason
to be grateful to the Providence which has spared us. ...
Waterloo Hotel. I am writing in the coffee-room. All inquire
about our experience in the gale. We saw several ships disabled.
It is an anxious time when, for five or six hours, your life de-
pends on the strength of a single sail which you watch, and see
occasionally shake with a noise that drowns every other sound.
As I look back upon it, I would not have missed the sight; but
once is enough."
His letters to his mother are minute, describing Liverpool,
his visit to the old town of Chester, and his journey to Dub-
lin in company with his beloved friend Mr. E. Peabody,
JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND THE EAST. 125
whom lie unexpectedly met. From there he went to Belfast,
then to Glasgow, and the Scottish lakes and mountains, to
Stirling and Perth ; saw all the sights, describes them care-
fully ; did not forget to call on a Scotchman at Perth, an
employee of his father's in Exeter ; and ended by going to
a ladies' charitable fair, and to the Industrial School for
Boys.
Next he is off for Edinburgh, describes all its sights
and antiquities to his mother. He hears Dr. Guthrie and
other distinguished men preach, and goes to a lecture on
popery by Sheridan Knowles. He thinks he never saw so
much church-going, nor so much "apparent" interest in
all the institutions of religion. He also was fortunate
enough, he says, to attend a Peace Conference, where
speeches were made by Richard Cobden, Elihu Burritt, and
Sir Charles Napier, the admiral, who took the anti-peace
side, or, rather, believed peace would be best secured by " a
few more line-of-battle-ships." He had also a delightful
tea with the relatives of Rev. R. C. Waterston. Next he
goes to Melrose and Abbotsford, which give him a chance
to write another descriptive letter to enliven his mother's
loneliness. From there he goes to York. . . .
We take up his journal now in Paris, quoting here and
there whenever any of his records seein fresh, or reveal
new glimpses of habit and character. He goes first on Sun-
day to hear Mr. Coquerel, sen., preach, and in the afternoon
to St. Roche, where he is considerably impressed by the cere-
monies. In the coffee-room at his hotel he hears how things
are done under the Empire.
" An American then, among other things, gave an account of
his last-evening's experience, as a specimen of the way things are
done. He was with others at a cafe in the Latin Quarter, when an
officer came in, in citizen's dress, and ordered all to disperse
instanter. They were not slow in obeying. They went to the
bar-maid to pay; but she said, 'Never mind; go quick!' and
in a minute all the people and the lamps were out. It appears
126 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
they suspected, that, in the room above was a club talking poli-
tics; and these others were turned out that they might more easily
make sure of the suspected."
He feels depressed on account of the bad weather, hav-
ing, as he says, "no home," but is cheered on meeting
Mr. Mumford of Albany, and other friends. He says the
French have a good idea of comfort. He walks in the gar-
dens, and thinks the people are very decorous, and that they
feel the influence of Sunday. Visits the next day the " Sor-
bonne," the Polytechnic School, "La Sainte Chapelle,"
and was impressed with the latter place. He says,
" While I stood there, a woman was kneeling before The En-
tombment of Christ, her back to me; and, when at last she rose to
go, I saw that she had been moved to tears in her devotion. Who
will fail to acknowledge that there was true worship there, how-
ever he may have become disgusted with the ceremonies of the
priests ? ' '
He goes to the theatre. He thinks the effect of the play-
was good. It drew tears from many eyes, and he believes
must have thrown light on the consciences of man}-. He is
glad, on the whole, on account of the weather, to bid good-by
to Paris. He describes his journey, the countoy, and towns,
on his way. He sees the working-girls coming into the
churches, with their clumping shoes, to kneel and pray for a
few moments ; and it strikes him forcibly, ' ' How good it is
to have some place for prayer daily! " He reaches Lyons,
laughs at the landing-place when others swear about the
delay. Enjoys his first view of the Alps, sees all the sights,
goes to Avignon, manfully braves the boatmen and omnibus-
drivers, who fight with the railroad for his luggage, secures
it, and is off; while his American companion, whom he
missed in the m&&, "had a sad time losing his trunks."
The soft air and clear sky of Marseilles thaws his spirit. He
rambles about, seeing every thing, and, having got a taste
of a good climate, resolves to take ship with some friends
JOURNEY TO EUEOPE AND THE EAST. 127
for Alexandria. The boat was slow, the wind contrary, and
they put in at Toulon, over which old town he rambles. The
air grew softer as they approached Malta ; and he enjoys the
beautiful views all around him, of Corsica, Sardinia, etc.
He spends the day in " reading ' Murray,' talking to passen-
gers, chiefly with a young lady who lived in Athens, and had
been in France two years for her education." When they
got to Malta, he says the courier of his friend Mr. R
"managed for us all, and we had nothing to do but to
enjoy." The fighting among the Maltese for their luggage
amused him excessively, in contrast with the musical voice
of Dominique, their courier, whose Italian blended with the
harsh sounds, as he parleyed judiciously with them all, and
got the things on to the backs of porters. He is delighted
with the novel and picturesque appearance of Malta ; and
they make their way to the great cathedral, which he describes
in his journal. Three hundred Arabs had arrived the day
before from Alexandria, and this was a very interesting sight
to them. He only saw "one Maltese cat " while in the town.
They rode about the queer old neighborhood, visited the
catacombs, went to their bankers, and set sail again for
Egypt. The talk on board was all about going to Syria and
Palestine. He thinks he shall feel dissatisfied unless he
accomplishes this journey before he returns. Their voyage
was rough, but pleasant ; and all were exhilarated when
Eg3'pt came in sight. They saw the fortifications of light-
colored stone, the line of sand crowned with multitudes
of wind-mills, Pompey's pillar beyond, and the palace of
Mehemet-Ali. The wild-looking Arabs, dressed in costume,
came out to them in their boats. They were obliged to stay
on board over night. His companions were a Catholic priest
and his Cairo friend, who gave him much information. The
next morning they went on shore to Alexandria, a crowd
ready to receive them with camels, donkeys, and carriages.
We quote some of his lively description :
128 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
"On the way to the hotel every thing was strange. The cam-
els, poor, galled-looking creatures, were walking with their heavy
burdens, their heads run out, and their clumsy, rolling gait;
donkeys, with their riders' feet almost touching the ground, and
their driver running along with a stick behind ; and women with
their faces covered, except the eyes. ... By nine o'clock we were
seated in pleasant rooms, and ready for our breakfast. After
breakfast we talked about the trip to Cairo, and then went out to
see the town. We first went to see Cleopatra's Needle. . . . We
tried to pick off little pieces ; but a soldier came out from a house
near by with a sword by his side, and his knitting-work in his
hands! . . . We then went to see a slave-bazaar. . . . Their
cheeks were branded. Some were coarse and animal; but there
were two Abyssinian girls, standing shy but dignified, dressed in
clean white robes and red trimming, they alone apparently, of all
the number, conscious of their condition, or feeling any sense of
their own individuality. . . . After some delay R came run-
ning up, much excited, saying that he had seen a beautiful boat;
and, if we would decide at once, we could have it for forty-five
days to go up the Nile. There was no time to deliberate, and we
said ' Yes; ' and he was off. . . . Our sight of the boat was most
gratifying. We were happy, and rejoiced. It was our house for
a month and a half. . . . Raphael, our manager, has procured a
small American flag to serve us till we reach Cairo. Then he is
determined to get a famous large one. To-night from the balcony
we listened to a band of music playing in a square. The moon
was bright, and it was a lovely spectacle. It is certainly an inter-
esting square. The buildings on the east side are very fine, taking
them all together; and the square is filled all day with a singular
variety of costumes. The camel with his huge load, the Arabs and
Turks, and the crowd of donkeys and drivers, it is really a sight
that one does not forget easily. The young Lord W , with his
companion Capt B , left this morning to go up the river. . . .
" Friday, Dec. 16. On board our own boat 'Vittorio.' We had
quite a crowd around to witness our preparations. A band of
musicians came to play on the shore beside us. All the passers-by
stopped to watch. Our cook's wife came on a donkey, and sat
helping peel potatoes till we were ready to start. Occasionally a
handsome carriage went by, with its servant in blue or white frock,
and bare arms and legs, running in advance. . . . The Arabs have
JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND THE EAST. 129
a way of disputing to their utmost, and, after venting out every
thing, will sit down on their heels for a few moments, as if all had
been said ; and then they will start up again, and fire away another
volley as if beginning again. Many times they will thus sit down
and charge again. But the quarrel is at last settled. . . .
" We have established our housekeeping. Breakfast at 8},
dinner at 2, tea at 6. After tea I usually read a chapter in the
Bible, and offer prayer. Every thing seems to promise well for
our enjoyment. . . . To-day I was on shore with a group, and
showed them my pocket-compass. They had evidently seen one
before, but enjoyed it much, and pointed to the directions, to a
mountain in the east, which is the only word they have for east,
as in Hebrew. The sea and the west denote also the same word.
... Saturday, Dec. 17. I learn to-day the names of our captain
and pilot. The first, Rais Mahmet Abdel-el-Kadher. The pilot,
Mahmet Abdallah. The dimensions of our boat are seventy-five
feet long, and eighteen wide. It is now very warm; and we
are quietly sailing along, the sailors smoking and singing, we writ-
ing, the ladies sewing or reading, or watching the villages on the
shore. . . . We neared the town of Atfeh. ... Sunday, Dec. 10.
We left our moorings, and brought up at the town of Fooah. . . .
Saw some large threshing-floors, and numbers of men and women
filling their skins and jars with water, and carrying them up the
bank. . . . To-night our first sunset on the Nile was as beautiful
as could be imagined. . . . The bank was lively with persons fill-
ing their water-jars. . . . To-day (Sunday, Dec. 18) we spent an
hour reading the history of Joseph in Egypt. . . . Monday.
This morning we were going at a fair rate. We passed many
villages. Went on shore here and there. . . . We saw a man at
work making bricks of the mud and of straw, which was chopped
small, and mixed with the mud, as the Israelites made the bricks for
their masters in Egypt. I saw two men clad in rags, with bundles
on their backs. Raphael told me they were pilgrims to Mecca. . . .
Shortly after we pass a sheik's tomb, larger than any we have seen.
. . . We have to-day some trouble, attendant upon an Arab crew.
The sailors are slow, and the captain has not quite nerve enough
to make them go on. The poor fellows have only three dollars a
month, and find their own provisions. Being employed by the
month, it is for their interest to be as long as they can. . . . With
a single exception, we have been beaten by every boat we have seen
on the river or canal. . . .
130 MEMOIR OF CHABLES LOWE.
"While at tea a boat met us -with four Englishmen coming
down. . . . Our men are certainly fine-looking fellows, with their
handsome white teeth, and fine forms, and smiling faces. They
look best when they are on shore towing the boat. Their costume
then appears very graceful. . . . They, like all Arabs, are faithful
to their devotions, spreading down their mats, and, with their faces
to the east, they kneel, and kiss the ground, and gesture, etc., no
matter where they may be, or who may be observing. The time
of the prayer occupies about five minutes. ... If you ask an
Arab when he will arrive at a certain place, he will never tell, but
always points upward, and says, ' I don't know: God knows.' He
will not even venture to say when he \fi\lprubably arrive."
We do not find any letters at present. We are inclined,
however, to prefer this journal to any correspondence descrip-
tive of scenes and events. He jots down the most simple
things, and shows the way his mind was affected by the
objects around him, revealing his varying moods, his dis-
comforts, his disenchantments, and his physical or emotional
enjoyment. This land that our traveller was in, has not
changed much during these years ; visitors are still compara-
tivelj- few : and we shall therefore quote from the journal :
" Thursday, Dec. 22. Another beautiful day and favorable wind.
At ten o'clock the pyramids were in sight. We jumped, and ran
on deck; and, sure enough, there they were in all their grandeur.
We only saw two. We afterwards saw the third, much smaller
than the other two. . . .
"To-day is the anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims.
We thought of it at dinner, and I was called on for a toast. . . .
We are occupied in preparing to go through the bridge which ex-
tends across the Nile at the south point of the Delta. The bridge
is really a magnificent structure in the Byzantine style of architec-
ture. ... It is quite exciting, we are in the midst of so many
boats. We here enter fairly the Nile ; and, looking back , we have a
view down both mouths, alike filled with the tall white sails. The
sandy point of land between them is covered with thousands of wild
ducks. ... Saturday, Dec. 24. ... About ten o'clock Raphael,
who had been on shore to do some business, came back to say
JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND THE EAST. 131
that six donkeys were waiting to take us to Cairo. Side-saddles
were ready for the ladies, and we soon mounted and were away.
Raphael wishes to make a complaint against our captain and
mate, who, he thinks, are trying to make the passage as long as
they can, in order to secure more pay. . . . He was told to go to
the police; and then he was told, having summoned our Rais, that
he (Raphael) was to be superior; and, if the Rais or any of the
crew did not obey him, they might be taken ashore at any of the
towns, and the governor would have them bastinadoed. I went
to the police-office. It was a curious place enough. ... I walked
around the various rooms. In some were groups apparently wit-
nessing the trial of a cause. In others were scribes, copying or
originating documents, writing on their knees. In others a long
divan reached under the windows; and one or two richly dressed
Turks were sitting cross-legged, smoking their long pipes. Before
them were large mats ; and generally some one or two poor Arabs
stood upon them with shoes off, making, I suppose, some petition
before the mighty ones. We went to the bazaar to make some pur.
chases. The sight that we saw comes up to my mind as a perfect
kaleidoscope. . . . Raphael had our boat sketched to-day, gayly
dressed in her new flag and streamer. . . . We all hung up our
stockings for Christmas. . . .
"Monday, Dec. 26. We pass a magnificent palace of Ibrahim
Pacha; and then comes the beautiful garden on the island of
Rhoda, where were the gardens of the Pharaohs, and where Moses
was hid by his mother, and found by the princess. The pyramids
rear themselves on one bank of the river, beckoning us on. ...
R has gone to Cairo, to meet us at Geezeh with donkeys for a
trip to the pyramids. ... At about ten o'clock we arrived at the
place where the donkeys were waiting, with jars of water, and bas-
kets of bread and cheese. The day was beautiful, and we were
soon mounted. . . . After leaving the village, we rode through a
large orchard of date-palms. . . . Men were ploughing with camels
or with oxen. I examined one of the ploughs."
We may mention here, that he brought home, with other
curiosities from the East, a little wooden model of a plough.
He delighted to bring out these things, and show them to his
friends. It was a charming oasis in his life, this trip to the
132 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
East, probably because he felt well; for we have not
heard him make the least allusion to his health since he
embarked on his beloved Nile-boat.
"The pyramids are in sight now all the way. The attraction
becomes stronger as we approach. We keep our eyes constantly
upon them. . . . How deceitful the distances! We saw some
Bedouins considerably more than half-naked rushing towards us.
We were soon completely surrounded by them. The water had
not quite subsided, and there was a canal of mud and water to be
waded through. We hesitated a little while. It seemed rather
hard for the ladies to submit to the means of transportation pro-
posed to them. But there was no help for it. We were bound
for the pyramids; and there they were before us, and a brook
between. We all dismounted; and in a very few minutes we were
mounted again, each on the shoulders of two Bedouins. We were
reminded of an incident in Stephens's travels. He was carried in
the same way; and the Arab got tired, and dropped him in the
water. But we got through well. . . . Now we distinctly see the
tombs opening in the sides of the hills to the east of the Great
Pyramid. We could only take in one pyramid at a time. We
were completely absorbed in Cheops. The Bedouins were around
us in terrible force. All were determined to have something to do
with us, and the demand for * backsheesh ' was incessant. I had
determined to go up without any aid. I gave my coat to the Arab
(Alleh), and began the ascent. Another Arab followed also,
though I resisted his offer to aid me. The steps were mostly so
high as to require the use of the knees and arms in mounting. I
was glad to take advantage of a large, level place to rest. . . . My
knees were somewhat tottering when I renewed the ascent ; but I
reached the top without difficulty, and found by my watch, that,
including the four-minutes resting at the half-way place, the time
of ascending was fifteen minutes. . . . Presently the rest of our
party had joined us; and we began together, after having refreshed
ourselves from our water-bottles, to look at the view. We found
some blocks of stone piled up, of which we made use for seats and
a writing-table; as the ladies suggested that we should write some
letters, dated at least on top of Cheops. We could see on the
east the plain dotted with cattle and men, like specks in the dis-
tance; the Nile, with its many windings; the minarets of Cairo; the
JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND THE EAST. 133
tombs of the pacha; and the smaller pyramids. . . . We staid
nearly an hour on the summit, and then began the descent, which
was very easy, occupying only four minutes and a half with me. . . .
The next thing was, to visit the interior of the pyramid. Candles
were lighted, and we proceeded into the mighty pile. . . . The
sides are of dark polished granite, as smooth as marble. The heat
was intense, almost suffocating. . . . We entered the queen's
and the king's chamber. ... A sarcophagus is at the end of the
chamber. Mr. R and I climbed into it, successors, for the
moment, to its great first occupant. We had little opportunity
for any sober reflections amid the noise, and calls for backsheesh,
and left the chamber weary and hot and dusty, surrounded all the
while by the tormenting Bedouins. One last look at the mighty
pile, and we rode away. But I have brought away a vivid recol-
lection of the pyramids, which I think will always be of the great-
est value to me." . . .
Their experience in this respect was not unlike that of
most travellers, who generally find the limitations of the
flesh a barrier to perfect enjoyment, and often delight more
in the retrospect than in the present reality. We find on
this page of the journal a little green sprig which he gath-
ered by the way, a tender memento of the sentiment with
which he ever regarded this journey to the East.
" As soon as possible after we reached the boat, we were availing
ourselves of the good wind. Lord W 's boat, the ' Adelaide,'
followed close behind, and soon passed by us. The next day it kept
us company. ... At night we got aground. The men came over
from it to get us off the sand. I went on shore with a gun, and
in four shots killed a bird at each, which we found very nice at
dinner. A pyramid has been in sight all day of a different shape.
We call it an ice-cream freezer. Friday, Dec. 30. Rose at six,
and went on shore with a gun. ... I don't know but I am estab-
lishing a reputation as a sportsman. I surprise myself as much
as the others. Before most of the party were up, I was back to the
shore with ten pigeons. . . . At about three o'clock we reached
Beni-sooef . Our visit made quite a sensation as we passed through
the streets : all the citizens stopped to look, and a crowd of children
followed at our heels. ... As the sun set, we left the place, and,
134 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
going a short distance, lay for the night in the middle of the
stream. We hear the jackals howling wildly ou the neighboring
shore, and now the old year is passing away. I am here on the
river, along whose banks for thousands of years the tide of pleas-
ure and of commerce has not ceased to flow. Now, indeed, how
it has fallen from its former glory ! Here I am in the midst of the
scenes where was once the centre of the life of all the world. But
now, in our little, quiet home, we are quite shut out from the
world. . . . We are as unconscious of it as though we were in a
dream. Who of us can at all divine what may be the intelligence
which will be in store for us when we emerge into the world again ?
God only knows. Sunday, Jan. 1, 1854. This morning at break-
fast, after the exchange of greetings, the ladies brought out the
presents they had prepared for us. Before breakfast Capt. B
came out to hail us, to bring greetings, and invite us all to dine with
them on board the ' Adelaide.' An invitation to dine on the Nile
is a great event. It was quite an era in our life. There were plans
to be made about getting on board. We had the galley-boat
washed, and the old flag brought out, and fitted to a staff, in case
we wanted to go aboard in that way. At eleven o'clock we assem-
bled to read, and have our religious service. . . . Three o'clock was
the hour set. They received us very pleasantly. Lord W is
the chief, a young man of not more than nineteen years. . . . Capt.
B , and Mr. N , a Scotchman, are his travelling compan-
ions. . . . The dinner was served under the bright, gayly orna-
mented awning on deck. It was quite sumptuous, five or six
courses of meats, etc., well cooked, and ale, wine, etc. We toasted
the Queen, and the President of the United States Pipes came
on afterwards; and, when it grew cool, we went below to the pretty
cabin, and took a cup of coffee. Then we sat a while, and saw an
exhibition of dancing and music from the crew. It was really
peculiar enough to be noticed. . . . Returned to our home at five
and a half o'clock, after a very pleasant visit, with an under-
standing that they shall dine with us to-morrow. . . . Angelo,
our cook, is full of excitement in arranging the bill of fare, which
he has finally settled on. ... Monday. A good wind. We
had the company to dine to-day. The dinner went off well.
Angelo Dominique and Raphael are as happy as princes in the
praises they have received. After dinner we had a musical enter-
tainment. R with his guitar. Angelo sang and acted a song
JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND THE EAST. 135
in a disguise, having his face whitened with flour, and being
wrapped in a blanket. Altogether, the entertainment seemed very
satisfactory. ... Wednesday, Jan. 4. We have had a breeze
all day." . . .
Now comes an exciting scene, which must always have
given our traveller pain to think of.
" Wednesday. We ran down a boat! The boat was capsized,
and the poor creatures were swimming for the shore. My first im-
pulse was, to run for the galley-boat to go to the rescue; but no
one followed, and the men stood stupidly about. Much excited, I
ordered a man, with a voice and gesture not to be misunderstood,
to follow me to the boat. He dropped in as if he had been shot,
and I after him. Raphael came and begged me not to go with
so small a boat. I jumped back, and the large boat was still
under way as before. Such heartless passing by the unhappy
creatures we had injured seemed to me shameful. I was made
to comprehend that the sailors were afraid for their lives if they
should go back. I told Raphael to make them go, but still we
kept on as before. I sprang in among the men, and, with my
own hands, let go the sail, and for a few minutes drifted down
towards them. We all stood watching the unfortunate boat. Sev-
eral were coming up behind: one unfeelingly passed it by; and, as
it came up with us, they advised us with a deal of wisdom, cold
as such wisdom often is, to pull down our flags, that we might not
be recognized. All this passed in much less time than I can write
it, but the boat was drifted far away. It seemed it was a small
boat, with from eight to twelve persons, two women and two old
men among them, with provisions, etc., floating down the stream.
Our pilot was sleeping: he had been awake all night, the people
sitting listlessly about on the deck. Our boat cleared theirs; but
the end of our spars took the end of theirs, and tipped them over in
an instant. I urged R to stop. He was afraid the men would
all run away in the fight, and leave him sailorless. I told him
to go, and, if necessary, take his pistols, and threaten to shoot the
first one that offered to run. But all was of no avail. Our sail
was set again, and we were leaving the scene of disaster as fast as
we could. Our poor captain was howling and weeping piteously.
He knew, that, if he was caught, his life might perhaps be the peu-
136 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
alty. He sat down upon the deck, and swayed his body to and
fro, and moaned. We presently reached Minieh, where Mr. R
and I wanted to stop, and have the affair settled, ascertain the
amount of loss, and if any lives were lost, and make what repara-
tion we might for the injury. But the men besought us not to
do it, representing that perhaps the injured ones would fall on the
crew, and kill them in the excitement. So we kept on by the
town. The sight of the poor captain in his anguish reconciled us
to it, and our ignorance of the nature of Egyptian justice. So the
representation given us of the character of this justice prevented
us from doing what common humanity would have prompted.
And we kept on, not even knowing whether any were drowned, or
not, expecting every moment to be overtaken by pursuers, till the
wind died down at ten o'clock, and we remained in the stream.
Four times during the night, at a little puff of wind, the sails
were loosened, and the boat got under way, so anxious was the
poor sleepless Rais to be on. Thursday, Jan. 5. This morning,
when the men got out to tow, they peeped over the bank in fear,
to see if all was safe, R said, like rats looking for a cat.
There is no news yet from the disaster. We can only hope, from
knowing how much at home the Arabs all are in their river, that
all were saved. . . . Poor Rais Mahmet has slept none, and
eaten almost nothing, since the disaster."
This incident we never remember hearing our traveller
allude to in the stories which he liked to tell about his East-
ern adventures, neither have we ever found it in any of his
letters. It was probably too painful for him to wish to refer
to it; and yet, from his own simple narration, we can see
how eager he was to make efforts to aid the unfortunate
ones, if he could have had his own way.
CHAPTER XVI.
EASTERN LIFE (continued).
1854.
Mystery Unsolved. Rudder Broken. Dark Reports. Family
Scene. Thebes. Luxor. Karnac by Moonlight. Dancing-
Girls. Tombs. Mummy-Pits. Philee. Refractory Men.
Captain Taken. Coptic School. Shooting Pigeons. Tem-
ple of Athor. Governor's Reception. Hot Coffee. Naked
Saint. Aground. Turkish Bath. Chanting in Coptic
Church. Civility. Donkey-Boys. New Dragoman, Ab-
dallah.
AS our eye wanders on for a few pages, we look for some
solution of the sad mystery of the capsized vessel ;
but none } r et appears : and we must, therefore, take up the
e very-day life of the voyagers, trusting that the records will
by and by relieve our suspense.
"January, 1854. I must jot down directly, that we have seen
our first crocodile! He was on a bank of sand, lazily basking. . . .
We have strained every nerve to reach 'The Adelaide.' . . . One
of our men from the shore reports that Lord W sent his galley-
boat to the wreck, and that several persons were drowned. These
reports were contradictory. We worked hard to reach ' The Ade-
laide,' and Mr. E, and I went on board. We found that they
knew nothing at all. . . . They promise to learn what they can
by going faster than we, and communicating with us. Friday,
Jan. 6. R and I had a long pursuit of two ibises. They kept
so close to the cattle, that R , who had his gun, could not shoot.
Once they were both perched on the back of two donkeys ! Finally
he shot one, and is going to skin the sacred bird for me. . . . From
138 MEMOIR OF CHABLES LOWE.
a mosque a watchman was calling 'to prayer.' . . . The governor
of Jaraff was a pleasant-looking man, in clean white trousers and
vest, with a gay red sash. . . . To-night we feel sad. Fanny, our
cat, while playing with Tom on dangerous places, fell overboard.
... I don't feel ashamed to confess the sorrow which comes over
me at poor Fanny's loss. Saturday, Jan. 2. Rudder broken.
. . . The mending took a long time. . . . The men had a fire of
brush- wood on shore, and sat round it at night like so many turtles
on a log. When we were ready to move the rudder, we could not
rouse them : they were asleep. I got a stick, and, going up to the
place, I poked the coals open, and scattered them about, making
the men all jump as they flew among them. They showed no
resentment after the first start was over, but laughed with the
rest, and apparently considered it a capital joke. . . We all feel
weighed down by a load of uneasiness respecting the fate of the
poor creatures on the lost boat. A boat passed us last night, say-
ing that twenty-seven lives were lost. . . .
" Monday morning, Jan. 9. We woke at Osioot. I went on
shore as soon as I could dress. ' The Adelaide ' was near us ; and
I saw Lord W , to inquire about our disaster. He told me it
was very bad. The English boat which came up before them had
saved the lives of two women. They report ten drowned. The
boat was surrounded by vessels, as we have seen ; but none of them
went to the rescue. And the jolly-boat of Englishmen which they
sent out, instead of saving the people, went to work to pick up the
floating merchandise ! Lord W thinks we shall not be arrested
here, but higher up the river, where the pacha is at present. . . .
Went to visit tombs near by. ... The sides were covered with
hieroglyphics. We saw many deep cuts, from which mummies
had probably been taken. . . . The view to the east, on our return,
was the finest I have seen in Egypt. . . . There were two lovely
gazelles in the court-yard, the most beautiful creatures I ever
saw. In another yard we saw a magnificent ostrich, with black
feathers covering his body, and his tail white. His neck and legs
were flesh-color. ... We returned to the boat about two o'clock,
and, by pushing and towing, reached ' The Adelaide.' She serves
us as a good angel, leading us on. ... Sunday, Jan. 10. Near
' The Adelaide ' again. Capt. B came to call, and staid to tea.
Wednesday. We were on shore, men and all. The boat got away
from her moorings, and started down stream. She was bearing
EASTERN LIFE. 139
down on a small boat, which seemed destined to the same fate as
the other one of last week. I ran along on the shore to keep up
with her. She was going fast ; but I had the satisfaction to see
the little boat safely passed, and our own at length brought to the
shore. Little Said, our invaluable boy, swam to the shore with
the rope in his teeth ; and we were secured. . . . This morning we
saw a steamboat of Abbas Pasha coming down, apparently towards
us. We thought it was to arrest our captain and us, but it went
on. This evening we saluted a boat-load with Englishmen on
board. They told us that we were waited for at the next village,
where our arrest would probably be made."
He gives here a copy of their contract with their dragoman
Raphael, for a voyage from Alexandria up the Nile to the
First Cataract, and Philse, and back to Cairo. The contract
requires that he shall furnish a good boat, camels for visiting
the ruins, three meals a day, variety in their food, beds and
bedding, donkey, and guides : the crew shall be under their
control, and go where they wish. A good cook shall be
secured, and the washing and "getting up" of the traveller's
linen shall be attended to, etc. This all for the sum of a
hundred and eighty pounds, half of which should be paid on
the day when they left Cairo, and the other half on the day
they returned there to give up the boat. It was understood
by both parties, that, every day on which the party should be
dissatisfied with their dragoman, he should forfeit two dol-
lars. The thoroughness of this contract shows the distrust
they had of Southern and Eastern probity and faithfulness.
This contract was signed in presence of the consul at Cairo,
and had his seal and signature.
" Thursday. We are pleased with the courtesy of ' The Ade-
laide's ' crew. . . . To-day has been warm. I spent two hours
shooting. ... Sunday, Jan. 15. ... We had our service at
eleven o'clock. I read a sermon of E. H. Sears on worship. ...
Monday, Jan. 16. An American boat in sight. We had a pleas-
ant exchange of civilities with her. . . . We have seen a beautiful
instance of the affection and courtesies of the family life of the
140 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
Egyptians. Ibrahim, one of our men, was on shore towing with
the rest, when his mother, father, and two brethren came down to
greet him. The reception on the part of the father was formal
and dignified, but the welcome of the mother was touching. She
seized him by the hand, and then embraced him in her arms, and
kissed his cheek, and then walked for a long distance on the shore.
It was truly pleasant to see them. He was a manly fellow ; and
she was leaning on his shoulder, and occasionally stopping in the
earnestness of her words of motherly counsel and affection. She
went on as long as it was proper for her to go, and then stopped,
and prepared to say farewell. Two or three times she fell on his
neck, and kissed him as if for the last time, and then would appar-
ently think of something else to say, and return again. Finally,
after one more embrace, she tore herself away, and ran back to her
house, as if not daring to trust herself to move slowly away."
Such little pictures as these in a traveller's hasty diar} r ,
seem to us worth more than any of the most elaborate letters
from abroad. They take down our Anglo-Saxon self-compla-
cency. These poor Egyptians, relics of an ancient race, in
their miserable huts, provoke our pity, or contempt perhaps ;
but families of human beings who can love, not in the pas-
sionate sense, but in the way this woman loved her son,
have found out the first great secret of joy in life. So we
will still keep on quoting here and there from this journal.
" Friday, Jan. 20, 1854. All the morning we had been in sight
of its monuments, first of the temple at Luxor, and, farther to
the left, Karnac, with its gateways and obelisks rising prominent
above the mighty ruins. ... We were soon under the guidance
of Abdallah, to the Temple of Luxor, a magnificent colonnade.
. . . The contrast between this grandeur and the miserable huts
and degradation around is very striking."
Here follows a study of the ruins, and descriptions :
" After tea we all went with Lord W , etc., to see Karnac by
moonlight. We formed a numerous cavalcade. Once the grounds,
extending a half-mile from Luxor to Karnac, were lined with
sphinxes: we saw the remains of them on either side. I can't
EASTERN LIFE. 141
describe the ruins, after a moonlight view; but they are very impos-
ing. The grandeur of the ruin is astounding. . . . We went
afterwards to see some dancing-girls in a hovel among the ruins
of Luxor. There were six girls, two very pretty. They had many
ornaments, earrings, arm and shoulder bracelets, etc. ; and their
dresses were long, with Turkish trousers. Their hands were stained
with henna. The dancing was at first a kind of shaking and
sounding the castanets in their hands; but afterwards, becoming
excited by the dreadful potions which they drank, it became dis-
gusting in the extreme. . . . Here we were in this miserable hovel,
our candles, which we had bought, stuck in little niches in the mud
walls, witnessing such a scene in the very midst of this magnifi-
cent temple. I was thankful to leave the place. ... Wednes-
day. We all started to visit the tombs. I am afraid we forgot the
grand associations of the place, as we found ourselves mounted on
these fine Arabian horses. . . . Through the day we had exciting
races. We each got a reed lance, and skirmished together in the
best Bedouin style. The horses would wheel and charge over the
roughest places, and seemed to show no sign of weariness. Our
first visit was the Tomb of the Kings. . . . The fallen statue of
Rameses the Great appeared to me the most wonderful thing we
have seen, I had almost said, in Egypt. It is thrown down and
shattered. It was stupendous. We stood on the breast, and could
hardly believe our eyes when we looked at its huge proportions.
. . . We ate our luncheon on fragments of columns, and then set
out for our boat. We passed the colossal statues of the plain. . . .
The eastern one is the famous vocal statue, which is said to have
once uttered a sound at the rising of the sun. Some of the Arabs
climbed up, and struck it for us. It is a curious thing, and, operated
by cunning priests, may easily have deceived the credulous. . . .An
American boat has appeared. . . . What joy to find Rev. Mr.
Brigham of Taunton, and others, neighbors at home, meeting here
in this wonderful city on the banks of the Nile 1 We had many
questions to ask each other."
Travellers now, passing rapidly up the Nile in steamboats,
looking at the shore in a languid, conventional way, can hardly
realize the exhilaration and energy of these voyagers, who,
like the people in the old New-England stage-coach picking
berries on the way to the mountains, leaped out on the banks
142 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
of the ancient river, and made every vexatious delay only a
fresh opportunity to see more and better.
" Tuesday, Jan. 19. ... Went to the Coptic church. The
bishop was already there to receive us. His dress was very hand-
some. The church was bare-looking, with mats on the floors. . . .
Three priests are associated with the bishop. We next went to
the mountain of mummy-pits. One had been opened recently.
Only Lord W , Mr. E , and I went in, the hole was so
small and uncomfortable. We were nearly smothered with dust.
When we got into the chamber, and the candles were lighted, we
could hardly believe what we saw. The floor was covered with
mummies where we trod, and we could not tell how far down the
bodies were piled. We went into eight or ten rooms. Hundreds
and hundreds of bodies were there. I cannot describe the sight,
but I wouldn't have missed it; and, though nothing would induce
me to enter the pit again, we all felt that it was a part of the
day's experience that we considered the most prominent in interest.
..." Went to the consul's. The governor said he had been told
to stop us, but it would not be in his power to detain our boat with
the American flag protecting us, or to take our captain against our
will. If we would give him up, he would furnish another. We
refused. We might, then, go on, and let justice seize him at Cairo.
So the matter was settled. All the gentlemen from the American
boat took tea with us. . . .
" Saturday, Jan. 21. ... Lord W met us at the shore of
Esse, and beckoned to me to tell me that our captain was to be
seized here. The captain of the port, and three or four officers,
presently came ; and a deal of talking went on between them.
Lord W 's dragoman took a part. He told us that the alterna-
tives for us would be, either to give up our captain, or have a man
put on board to guard him, or another boat to follow behind and
watch him, or we ourselves be responsible for his delivery at Cairo.
We would not agree to the first or last of these Sunday morning.
We were ready early to depart. The captain, last night, was
almost ready to embrace me for not giving him up. . . Tuesday,
Jan. 24. I went out at 6 in the morning pigeon-shooting. . . .
We were to give up the day to seeing Phite. ... I asked for a
camel. (The rest had donkeys.) Took my first ride. I liked it
very well. . . . The approach to this charming spot is beautiful.
EASTERN LIFE. 143
Huge bowlders are ornamented with hieroglyphics, and the magnifi-
cent ruin and lonely island are very impressive. Its fine colon-
nade, and noble proportions, make us forget what a race we have
left behind us." . . .
Here comes another enthusiastic description of the ruins,
which we have not space for.
We find here in the journal a long crimson leaf, plucked
perhaps in the beautiful island. Nothing brings us nearer
the thought and sentiment of the writer than a leaf or flower
gathered in a fair spot, pressed by his hand, and embalming
the tender memories of pleasant hours.
" Thursday, Jan. 26. At half-past six we left with a head wind.
I was up early to exchange salutes with Lord W , and presently
saw his boat starting with a glorious wind to go up the cataract.
. . . P.M. Our sailors are refusing to obey the orders of the cap-
tain. Raphael was backward about insisting on obedience. I
hunted up a rope's-end, and I think they understood that. They
saw we were determined to have some discipline on board the boat.
. . . We were in sight of Silsily. We went ashore. It is a very
interesting place. Here are the sandstone-quarries for the temples.
The huge blocks lying around excited our admiration of the energy
and industry of a people who worked them. ... Saturday, Jan,
28. We woke at Edfou, and were all out very early to walk to the
temple. The morning was lovely. It was a long walk. The or-
namental figures of the towers are of colossal proportions. We
went to the top, and there found our American friends again. . . .
At about twelve we reached Elkab. . . . We went ashore. Back
in the mountains are the tombs. One tomb was very interesting.
The sculpture within represents scenes of domestic life. . . . We
reached Luxor before dusk. . . . Our consul came immediately
to see us. He told us that our captain must be taken. The
report of persons lost varies from eight to twenty. He accordingly
took the poor captain, promising to do all in his power to protect
him. I felt badly for him when he was taken by two officers and
hurried away. I patted him on the shoulder, and promised to do
for him what I could. . . . We visited the Memnoneum again.
Here we went to the tombs. One was occupied as a dwelling-
house. Here is a home, children and pigeons and dogs in the
144 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
dust among the mummy-bones and fragments strewn about. . . .
The sculpture is very interesting."
Here is a funny little ink-sketch in the journal of this piece
of sculpture :
" On our return the consul took us to a Coptic school. . . . The
children squatted down against the wall, ranged all along; and each
had a sort of metallic slate, on which the teacher had written some
Coptic sentences. They all rose up to receive us. ... Met the
Coptic bishop. ... I asked him about the Coptic church. He
said it was fast decreasing. Severe persecution and taxation had
thinned them out. . . . We went to see our captain in prison.
. . . We saw a row of criminals chained together by a long
chain round each of their necks. Our poor Rais, the captain, was
the one nearest the door. He looked very wretched. We spoke
to him, and promised him assistance ; but it was one of the most
painful sights I ever witnessed. ... In the prison nothing is given
them to eat. We left four dollars for him to live on, and took our
leave If we had, before, sometimes felt provoked at him, and
thought him a bad man, we now forgot all such feelings in our
compassion for him in his troubles. . . . We walked towards
Karnac. I took my gun. We came upon a funeral procession.
There were from a hundred and fifty to two hundred men and
women walking. The body was on a bier, borne by four persons,
and covered with a scarlet cloth; in advance, a horse saddled,
led by some men, probably the horse of the deceased. Many
of the women were howling the lamentations in most unmusical
tones. -The howling seemed very absurd; but, altogether, it
appeared a better and more sensible mode of funeral than the
ridiculous English fashion of hiring mourners, and spending money
for gloves, bands of crape, and feathers on the horses' heads. . . .
We bade farewell at length to Karnac, which seemed more beauti-
ful than ever, and walked towards the river. ... All day we have
been going at a good rate. . . . We have visited the great Temple
of Athor." . . .
Here follows a minute description of this temple :
" We started to call on the governor of the place. . . . The
governor, without rising, waved us to a seat by him on the high
divan. Raphael acted with a grace that would have done him
EASTERN LIFE. 145
credit in any court. He would come to us to receive our wishes,
and then gracefully step forward in front of the governor, and
repeat them readily to him, with easy gestures, sometimes erect,
and sometimes bending his knee to the ground, and sometimes
sitting on his heels. I didn't like the last position, but took
it for granted that it was according to Egyptian etiquette. . . .
Presently pipes were brought, elegant long pipes, with beautiful
amber mouthpieces. Coffee was also brought in china cups, set
in silver cup-holders. The governor said he would do all he could
for the release of our poor captain. We complimented him on his
excavations. . . . We went to a cafe with Raphael in order to
witness his contract with the new Rais. Pipes and coffee were
offered. The coffee I put directly into my mouth, without think-
ing how hot it was. I came very near losing my dignity. It was
boiling hot. It burned my lips and tongue and throat. It was
not sweetened, and as thick as honey. I took no more. ...
Thursday, Feb. 2. We went to visit a saint, who lives on the shore,
entirely naked, and supported by contributions from passers-by. He
looked plump and fair. His hair was long, and plaited like a tur-
ban. R said the women of the village arranged it every day.
He received us with dignity, and showed no signs of insanity.
His voice was the deepest bass I ever heard. We turned away,
with some reflections on a state of society where such a man is
held in reverence as a superior being. The night air chilled us on
our return. We wondered if his holiness would not freeze without
any covering at night. . . . Friday, Feb. 3, 1854. Saw pelicans.
Could not get at them. . . . Visited tombs, fine hieroglyphics.
V/ednesday. We got aground last night. The men were all
asleep, and wouldn't stir. R took water, and dashed over
them. Then he took his pistol, and threatened to shoot them
if they didn't jump into the water. The poor fellows jumped
then into the cold stream, pushing the boat with their shoulders,
and singing lustily. They looked dull enough in the morning,
not being warmed up after the chill. But, after breakfast, the sun
came out bright, and they had grown cheerful over a hot dish,
and sang, and clapped their hands, and danced; and I danced with
them, one of their fiddling-dances; and they were all in good
humor again. ... Cairo, Friday, Feb. 10. ... We saw the
consul-general. He said they would try to fine us for the damage
of the lost boat, which was absurd, as we ourselves were not
146 MEMOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
responsible for our boat. In the afternoon we took Turkish
baths." . . .
Here follows a minute description of a luxury with which
the reading and bathing world is much better acquainted
now, than at the time when this journal was written. We
will not, therefore, quote much of it. After describing the
raised platform and carpets, the marble floors and mosaic
pavements, the heated room and the incense, he says,
" A skinny old bather took us in hand. He began by rubbing
us with a hair-mitten, then he kneaded us with his knees and
knuckles, and twisted our arms and legs to make them crack. Then
he slid us into the tank to soak. After a while we were taken out;
and a man soaped us down, covering us with lather, and rubbing
us with tow. Then we were slid into the water again, to be washed
off. Then we were swathed in towels, and almost carried over the
slippery pavement back to the room where our clothes were. We
were then laid on mattresses, and rested there in delicious repose.
Soon a man came, and kneaded us again. He then cracked the
joints of our fingers, and rubbed the palms of our hands : then he
took us and wrenched our arms, and twisted our bodies, giving us
terrible hugs. He rubbed our heads dry, and we were ready to
dress. I forgot to say, that, in the intervals of the last operation,
coffee was handed to us. The whole operation lasted more than
an hour."
This seems like the genuine article, the imitations of
which in this country, we fancy, are of a much milder type.
He occupies two or three pages next in describing the
magnificent tomb of Mehemet-Ali. They are now about
to choose a new dragoman.
" Raphael could not accept our terms. We were all sorry to give
him up. ... This morning we went to the Coptic church. The
church was one of the better sort, judging from the richness of the
priests' dresses ; but it was bare enough. The women were hud-
dled together in a small room. Even Christianity here has not
restored the rank of woman. They could not participate in the
worship with the lords of creation. . . . The high-altar has a screen
of wood handsomely inlaid with ivory. . . . The chanting was
EASTERN LIFE. 147
mostly done by boys. . . . There was a hunch-backed man in the
space between the railing and the screens, who seemed to be
master of ceremonies. He led the chanting, and regulated the sit-
ting, and kept in order the boys. It was almost ludicrous to watch
him straining his voice in the prolonged chant; his eyes rolling
round to see that all was right, and occasionally starting to shake
an unruly boy, or to scold some brother, or to give some direction,
which interruption never broke the connection of his chants, but
he would keep on instantly when his voice was relieved from the
other duty. Fart of the ceremony was the blessing of children.
. . . Lastly, mass was administered. I could not see much dif-
ference between this service and the Catholic. . . . We were par-
ticularly struck with the courtesy to us. ... I am afraid in our
churches at home they would hardly find their courtesy fully re-
ciprocated. . . . We visited a Greek church in old Cairo. Such
mummery I never witnessed. . . . The donkey-boys of Cairo are
very bright. In the afternoon a saddle gave way. Joe, our boy,
immediately procured another donkey for us, mounted the old one,
borrowed a ' bernouse,' wrapped it round himself, said he was
dragoman, and, flourishing his stick, dashed on. Our donkeys
followed at full gallop. The streets were narrow and winding,
full of people and donkeys and camels, so that it would have
seemed difficult to go faster than a walk; but Joe dashed on, his
arms and legs shaking, shouting to clear the way, and with his
stick hitting every camel and donkey we met, making all the
people jump aside, and press up against the wall. We had nothing
to do but follow, weak with laughing, and to keep up as best we
could. Joe did not lose his care of us all ; but* the moment we
fell behind, he was back to pick up the stragglers. ... He was
prudent also. As soon as he spied the pacha, he got us all
down into a quiet amble. Tuesday, 14th. Arranging with a
dragoman, finally concluded to take Abdallah. . . . Friday.
We went to see the howling dervishes. ... It was a strange
swaying of the body and a hideous utterance of the deepest
gutterals, in a barbarous and disgusting way. They worked hard
for their money. Saturday. We had our trunks to pack. Poor
Mr. B , who is so sick, felt very badly at our departure." . . .
Here ends this portion of the journey, and we take our
eave of Father Nile.
CHAPTER XVII.
JOURNEY INTO SYRIA.
1854.
Camping out. Desert. Fighting - men. Weary Camels.
Gaza. Jaffa. Ramleh. Jerusalem. Bethlehem. Unfaith-
ful Dragoman. His Trial. New Dragoman, Achmed.
Mount of Olives. Dead Sea. Jordan. Wonderful Flowers.
Mounts Hermon and Tabor. Nazareth. Snow and Rain.
Mud-hovel. Baalbec.
WE begin now a new chapter in the traveller's expe-
rience, which is to be even more interesting to him
than the past. We hear not a word about health or sickness,
and are sure that there was no thought about them so far,
or we should be sure to have seen some jottings in this
transparent journal. It gives rise to some reflections as
to the possibilities of human nature, both physical and
mental, if we could onl}- preserve the happj* equilibrium
betwixt soul and body, by which the powers can be in that
normal condition where we sometimes find ourselves for a
while under the happiest circumstances of life. We take
up his journal again.
" It was very interesting to begin our first night of encampment.
The two large tents, one for u entlemen, and one for Mr. R
and the ladies ; another small one for cooking, all surrounded by
the twenty camels, and the quantities of luggage, the chickens
and turkeys, all out and running about, make quite an interesting
sight. We have not the luxury of bedsteads. We are encamped
in sight of the obelisk of Heliopolis, on the canal of Goshen.
JOURNEY INTO STEIA. 149
The sycamore under which tradition says Joseph and Mary rested
during the flight into Egypt is not far distant from our tent. We
have come partially armed. Mr. R has bought a Colt's re-
volver, which we practised with this morning at the distance of
thirty-five yards. I hit the centre of the foot-board at the only
shot I made. We think we must be about in the spot where
Joseph rode out in his chariot to meet his father and brethren.
Sunday, Feb. 19. Suffered from fleas. Monday, Feb. 20. We
had a better night, perhaps because we were so tired that we slept
through. . . . The ride was over the desert, with a strip of cul-
tivated land on our left. The sand was covered with beautiful peb-
bles. There were many shells with their owners still alive in
them. These, and little black beetles and lizards, were the only
living creatures around. We lunched on the open desert. At
night we encamp in a village right in the midst of a grave-
yard. Wednesday, Feb. 22. We had an unpleasant time in the
evening A fight between Abdallah and our sheik. They would
have killed one another if left alone. As it is, Abdallah says he
must kill him. Abdallah had blood on his lip, and the sheik
had his head bound up. Abdallah complained that the sheik
would not work. He is certainly lazy. Thursday, Feb. 23. The
night was bitter cold. Clumps of bushes are around. We saw a
trace of water, an arm of the sea, tasting quite salt. . . . Another
fight to-day among men in our company for protection. One got
his arm broken. Friday, Feb. 24. More like the desert; the heat
very great; white and yellow hills of sand all around. In the
p M. met a party of twelve or fifteen mounted on dromedaries,
armed with guns and swords and pistols, probably government
soldiers. Stopped at an ancient well to water. The scene was
very patriarchal. Sunday, Feb. 26. An uncomfortable wind at
our backs. It blew us along well, but filled our eyes and mouths
with sand. . . . The desert is more uneven with hills and valleys
than I had expected. We saw beds of extinct lakes. Saw poppies
and fleur-de-lis. We have had company all day, two Bedouins of
the desert, armed with guns of very ancient look. They probably
mean to thieve, if chance occurs. ... A little rain to-day.
Monday, Feb. 27. Two of the camels gave out. We took off their
load. All the camels show signs of great fatigue. Mine gave out
before dark, although I have been walking most of the day to
spare him. . . . After dark we came upon the real desert. A
150 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
vast waste of rolling, drifting sand. Two hours with feeble camels,
darkness, tired, it was not agreeable. We heard the roaring of
the sea. About nine we pitched our tents, and tried to sleep. It
was very cold in the night. Towards morning a gust of wind blew
down the tent clear over our heads. We got it up for breakfast,
but could not hold it. It was too windy to go on, and so we
pitched in a more sheltered place. . . . The fleas are an intolerable
annoyance during the night. ... Thursday. Sunset was very
fine. Before we reached our stopping-place, Mr. Brigham's camel
fell, and was left, probably to die. We had showers during the
day. In the intervals I walked, and gathered some of the beau-
tiful flowers with which the country is covered. . . . We have
been to-day in the country of the Philistines. Friday, March 3.
The country to-day is very picturesque. From an elevation we
saw Gaza. Arrived. The fields around the town were a network
of prickly-pear hedges. In blossom they must appear finely. We
pitched our tents, and went to see the town. We went into a
Coptic church. I climbed up on the wall of a building, when my
guide pulled me back. I thought he was afraid I should fall, and
kept on, when I found myself at the top, looking directly over a
private place of no ordinary rank. I jumped down, and found it
was the governor's harem. From the top of the height we got a
view of the surrounding country. It is beautiful. Gaza is almost
surrounded by hills. We fixed upon the hill which seemed to us
most likely to be the spot where Samson left the city-gates.
" Saturday, March 4. We had a delightful ride towards the sea
to Ascalon, the birthplace of Herod the Great. We gathered
shells on the beach; and some of us went in swimming, and had a
fine bath. The town contains fine and massive ruins. We passed
olive-groves, and apricot-trees in full bloom. Saw a singular
Hebrew custom, a cradle, with its occupant in it, borne on the
mother's head. Another woman had a water-jar on her head,
tripping along. Our driver asked her for a drink ; and she took
down her jar, and gave it to him, in a manner that reminded us of
Isaac's wife. . . . Saw a party of armed Philistines. They would
perhaps have done us mischief if we had been alone Monday,
March 6. The jackals howled in the night. In the morning we
arranged our luggage to go round to Beyroot; sent tents, etc., on
the camels to Jerusalem ; we ourselves were to make an excursion
to Jaffa. The prospect is very fine. The approach to Jaffa is
JOURNEY INTO STEIA. 151
exceedingly pleasant. The road runs between large orchards of
orange and lemon trees. The fragrance was delicious. The
women and children were out. Some ladies were dressed in white,
some showing very pretty faces, and some wearing black veils
covering the face. The oranges in the market were abundant and
delicious. We went first to the office of the American consul, an
Armenian. He treated us to oranges, coffee, anise cordial, sweet-
meats, and pipes. Then we went to see the interesting places of
the town, the house of Simon the tanner, and the staircase
which Peter went down after his vision; the citadel; the Armenian
convent. . . . We went to a convent. The old monks were some
of them fine-looking men, with their long, flowing beards. The
convent is built on the site of the house of Nicodemus. . . .
After dinner we enjoyed a moonlight walk on the house-top, and
retired to the comfortable beds of the monks.
" Tuesday, March 7. At eight o'clock we began our journey.
I had a white mule with a pack-saddle, without a bridle. The
hills, as we went along, were covered with rich pasturage. As we
go on, the hills become more rugged, and the way difficult. The
rain set in with violence, and it came down in torrents ; and we
were soon completely drenched. We met a party of four men,
splendidly mounted, who were dashing down one steep place, leap-
ing their beautiful horses from rock to rock. We passed the vale
of Jeremiah, and also crossed the brook where David picked the
stones with which he slew Goliath. We were drenched and cold,
and anxious lest the city-gates should be closed if we did not
arrive before sunset. We hoped to overtake our camels; but we
were rejoiced enough, when from a hill we saw the city Jerusalem.
At a distance, it did not look as I expected, We approached by
the Jaffa gate. By special permission we were allowed to enter,
and were conducted through a narrow street to the hotel. Dry
clothes and a dinner did wonders for us all. It is about the
hardest day's work we have done.
" Wednesday, March 8. A rainy day. Mr. R and I went,
before breakfast, to see the Holy Sepulchre." . . .
Here follows a description of many'spots, and the Holy
Sepulchre in particular, with all its Romish traditions, and
Greek and Armenian contributions to historical or fabu-
lous antiquities. He was interested in examining all these
152 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
relics of piety or superstition ; but we can imagine that the
land itself, and not traditional spots, most won his atten-
tion, and therefore we will omit these details. He himself
says,
" We went through all these visits to-day, with the feeling of
having despatched the thing as a matter of business. We were
shown, in a street near the Via Dolorosa, the place where Dives
lived. We asked our guide where Lazarus lived: he said, shrewdly,
that he was too poor to have a house. We went into an Arab
school of fifteen children, reading from their paper slates. We
went to the Syrian convent. I saw some old pictures, and very old
manuscripts. Saw the convent where James was beheaded. The
altar-piece is of rich mosaic. This convent has many relics,
some curious ones. It has a hundred monks. They were very
polite, and sprinkled us with rose-water as we left. . . . The
Jews' place of wailing is very interesting. It is near a piece of
the genuine old temple-wall. Here the Jews come every Friday,
and take off their shoes, and cry over the downfall of their sacred
temple. ... Thursday, March 9. We awoke to find the ground
covered with snow, some two or three inches deep. It is the first
snow that has been seen in Jerusalem for at least three years. . . .
Next we visit the valley of Hinnon. This is much deeper than
I had supposed. Saw the Mount of Olives, then the Potter's Field,
where bodies were thrown. It is the belief that the bodies were
consumed there in twenty-four hours."
He takes a genuine interest in these Old-Testament spots,
because they were preserved in memory, and handed down
by a simple people, in a way quite different from the petty
details of Christian history, fabricated by the mediaeval age.
"We turned up the valley of Jehoshaphat, and walked round
the side of the hill of Zion. Saw the Pool of Siloam, walled up
with stone. I descended by stone steps, and washed in the water.
We all bathed our eyes at the upper pool. Girls were filling skins
with the clear, soft water. We cross the brook Kedron, now quite
dry, and approach the Jewish burying-ground. . . . We turn to
go up the Mount of Olives. We get a magnificent view. . . .
Then down to Gethsemane. We could not get admittance, but
sat a while in the rocks, at the upper side of the garden, where it
JOURNEY INTO SYRIA. 153
is said the disciples fell asleep while Jesus prayed. I cut a stick
from an olive-tree next the outside of the garden. . . . After
lunch we went to witness the lamentation of the Jews. It was
one of the most interesting things to me that I had witnessed
within the walls. About twenty Jews were there, some with
books, wailing, with their faces towards the wall. They kissed
the stone, and pressed their foreheads against it ; and some
appeared to be actually in tears. Some were old men, with long,
flowing beards. One young woman stood apart from the rest,
with her head pressed against the wall, and hardly moved from
her position while we were there. We gathered some leaves
which were growing in the crevices of the stones ; and I felt more
impressed, while standing there, with the interest of the holy city,
than anywhere before, except when visiting the places undoubt-
edly connected with the interesting events in our Saviour's life.
Saturday, March 11. We got up early to go to the Jewish syna-
gogue before sunrise, to witness the service. ... It was interest-
ing to us as being the worship perpetuated for more than two
thousand years, and upon the very spot where a synagogue has
perhaps always stood. After breakfast we were ready for Beth-
lehem. We went out by Jaffa gate, and took the old road to
Bethlehem. My horse, which I had taken by exchange with
Abdallah, was the best yet. He flew like a bird whenever I
slackened the bridle. The road led over rough, rocky hills. . . .
We came at length in sight of the honored little city. We saw
the spot where the shepherds were watching their flocks." . . .
We pass over, in his journal, places where saints are sup-
posed to be buried, by the tomb of Jerome, Latin churches,
etc., and see the party go back in the rain, which destroys
poetry in the East, it seems, as in the West. The ludicrous
also comes in with the sublime. One of the ladies' saddles
turned, and she fell into the mud. Our young traveller
sprang to her rescue: and his charming Arab steed, which
he admired so much, started off for Jerusalem ; and he was
obliged to go back on a donkey. So much for human
expectations !
" Sunday, March 12. Mr. Brigham called me, at 5 o'clock
A.M., to go to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. . . . We went
154 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
to all the various chapels. The Greek chapel is the richest and
largest of all. It was one of their feast-days. The bishop was
a noble-looking man, with a long, snow-white beard. He wore a
splendid crown ; and as he stood before the altar, facing the peo-
ple, and making the sign of the cross, with his three-branch candle-
sticks, and blessing the people, handling the sacred symbols, we
felt that he realized for us perfectly the gorgeous and stately
priests in the days of Solomon. As we stood there, the light grew
brighter, and came in between these figures, gradually paling the
lamps and candles. The chanting, etc., went on; and the effect
was very fine. . . . The brotherhood see that our apartments are
comfortable and clean.
" Monday, March 13. We are having a world of trouble with
our dragoman. He refuses to go on. . . . He will not fulfil his
contract. . . . The present state of affairs is, that Abdallah is now
in prison, standing on a floor deep with mud, with no place to
sleep. We have not much sympathy for him. We mean to hold
him to his contract, or get out of him what we have paid him for the
rest of the journey. ... Tuesday, March 14. Delightful day.
Could not improve it on account of Abdallah. . . . The consul has
decided that his tents shall be sold, and the proceeds given to us.
... I have not seen before the valley and hills so bright and
pleasant. I sent away a letter to-day to the Sunday school."
We shall not insert this ; but the patience which will take
time to pen a closely written letter for the ears of young
people, is somewhat praiseworthy, when we recollect how
demoralized all of us, as travellers, generally become in
regard to old habits, and with how much reluctance, some-
times, even a home-letter is written.
" After breakfast we went to the court. Abdallah was plead-
ing his own cause before four cadi seated upon a divan around
the room. One of them was deaf as an adder. The talking was,
all of it, loud enough ; but, for this man's benefit, it was necessary
to bellow vigorously in his ears. Abdallah showed himself a
shrewd villain. He tried first one shift and then another, first
insulting and then accusing, and then assuming the plaintive and
penitent, and trying to melt us by his tears. He provoked us
exceedingly by his succession of lies. Finally, after the cadi had
JOURNEY INTO SYRIA. 155
smoked three pipes, and drunk three cups of coffee, the matter
was settled favorably for us. ... We have now arranged a con-
tract with Achmed Saide, who was dragoman of Bayard Taylor in
Egypt, and has a fine recommendation from him. The day has
been a beautiful one, and we can't help being a little uneasy- at
losing such pleasant weather."
This was quite an event in their journey, the engaging of
this new dragoman, Achmed. He is the man whose picture
still hangs on the wall of our minister's study, and he ever
loved to contemplate it. Achmed was then dressed in his best
suit, and its flowing outlines contrast well with his dark skin
and bright eye. Happy for our friends now that they have
found an honest man. Such a discovery gives dignity and
joy to their travels, and to all human life. Achmed was the
Arab who said afterwards, "If all Christians were like
Charles Lowe, I would be a Christian."
"Saturday. We made an excursion to the Dead Sea and Jor-
dan. Two delightful days. . . . Bethany is a small cluster of
stone houses. The scenery around is very romantic. Here are
the most interesting scenes in our Lord's life. We noticed some
beautiful flowers, especially one kind of lily, like those in our
meadows, but more beautiful. It was green outside, and lined
with purple, like velvet, with a pistil of the same velvety purple.
. . . We lunched at the traditional burial-place of Moses. . . .
We saw flocks feeding, tended by Bedouins, armed with their long
guns and swords; fierce- looking fellows to meet unexpectedly. . . .
Some of us bathed in the Dead Sea. I found the swimming very
agreeable. The water was very distasteful to drink, and caused
pain to the eyes. . . . We reached the Jordan in an hour. Bathed
again in it, and filled some bottles with the water. . . . The
jackals kept us awake, but the sun rose splendidly this morning.
We felt that Moses must have looked at the promised land from
one of the peaks of the chain we were looking at. ... We pass
modern Jericho. The ride was delightful. The flowers are
wonderful. The plain was like one great bed of flowers, purple
and yellow and red and blue. We exclaimed to one another at
the sight. The grain had a richness of green I never saw before.
. . . We drank out of Elisha's fountain. The water was very
156 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
sweet. . . . We came at length to the interesting part of the road
between Bethany and Jerusalem, and the fine view of Jerusalem,
which looked beautiful as we approached it in the bright sunlight.
... Sunday, March 17. We walked to the Mount of Olives, and
sat there a while. We caught a chameleon, which I have brought
with me to-day. Then we walked through the valley, and visited
the Pool of Siloam, and entered the Zion gate. We took here
our last view of this interesting spot, and went out by the Jaffa
gate. The first part of the way the road was rough. . . . We
saw men ploughing in the valley, and, what I had not seen before,
women and men picking up tares among the wheat. . . . The
country grows more beautiful. . . . We came in sight of Mount
Gerizim. . . . Then we reach the well of Jacob, where our Saviour
had his conversation with the woman of Samaria. It seemed very
deep, judging by the time it took for a stone to reach the bottom.
Near by is the tomb of Joseph, covered by a Mahometan building.
... A Samaritan synagogue is built on the top of Mount Gerizim.
The sun was setting behind it; and flocks of sheep were going
homeward over the greensward, and looked very pretty through
the trees. . . . Nablous is an interesting town . The centre of the
street was a running stream; water, a foot deep, ran in a rapid
current through the stone-way; and narrow sidewalks were re-
served for the passing along the shops. Our horse, in going along,
spattered the goods exposed in the shops. A crowd of boys fol-
lowed us to our camping-ground. We counted forty standing
around as we were arranging the flowers we had gathered during
the day. Our camp is pleasant. ... It has been a very interest-
ing day to us all.
" Tuesday, March 21. Our ride was delightful. . . . The hill-
sides were luxuriant. Passed Beersheba. The air was filled
with the fragrance of new hay from the fodder cut down by the
wayside. . . . Rode over a lovely plain, with rich soil, growing
wheat and barley. . . . Joseph's brethren fed their flocks here.
Two tribes are at war here. . . . Now we are at the great plain
of Esdrselon. Wednesday, March 22. Another lovely day. We
ride across to the Nazareth hills. Little Hermon was conspicuous
before us all the way. It was green to the top. On our right was
Mount Gilboa, and after a few hours Mount Tabor came in sight.
We lunched at the foot of Mount Hermon, by a spring of water.
Presently the view became magnificent. On our right was Mount
JOUENET INTO STEIA. 157
Tabor; behind, Little Hermon, green to the top, and on its side
the village of Nain. . . . Then in the distance, commanding the
plain, is the Sacred Mountain, fixed upon as the Mount of Trans-
figuration. . . . Before night we reached Nazareth. The approach
to it was pleasant. We were particularly pleased with the appear-
ance of the people. Everywhere throughout the town, men, women,
and children greeted us with a pleasant salutation; and the uni-
versal expression was of happiness and comfort. The hills which
shut in the place are exceedingly pleasant. We came down to a
fountain below, and watched for some time the girls coming to fill
their jars. We saw some beautiful faces, and the costumes were
as pretty as any we had ever seen."
It is pleasant to find that he has such delightful impres-
sions of Nazareth, agreeing thus with M. Kenan in his late
work, because we associate so many ideas of wretchedness
and squalor in connection with the East.
..." We went to visit the churches over traditional spots
connected with Joseph and Mary. ... Friday, March 24.
Yesterday morning we started for Mount Carmel. It was a
glorious day, and the ride was the loveliest we had experienced.
. . . The ride up the mountain from the town is steep. . . . The
convent at Acre is a large square building, six hundred or eight
hundred feet above the sea: the situation is the finest imaginable.
There are fifteen monks in the establishment. Le frere Charles,
procurator, received us, and showed us our rooms. They were
very neat and pleasant. After a cup of coffee, we went down the
hill, and bathed in the Mediterranean, and returned to dine. Our
dinner was of fish and rice, etc. We went through the building
to get the views. On the walls were some fine engravings. In
the distance was Mount Hermon. . . . We went into the chapel.
The floor was of mosaic pavement. . . . We reached Nazareth in
about three hours. We went up to the top of a hill there, and had
one of the finest views we have seen. Nazareth was under the hill.
We spent some time here, but much shorter than we wished.
Here Jesus must often have walked and sat, and looked upon the
very scenes we witnessed: here he may have read the Old-Testa-
ment history, with the localities of some of its most interesting
stories mapped out before him. I tried to stamp the view on my
158 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
memory, for I consider it one of the most interesting in the land.
Coming down from the hill, we passed through the town ; and in
one of the houses I saw, for the first time, ' two women grinding at
a mill.' They were seated opposite each other on the ground,
with the mill-stones between them. I forgot to record that we
saw this afternoon eleven gazelles, beautiful creatures, cantering
along after one another not far ahead of us. I talked with Achmed
to-day about the Mahometan faith. He said they believed in
Moses and in Christ. The difference between them and Chris-
tians he expresses thus: ' We do not believe there is more than one
God, and we do not believe that God was ever married. We do not
believe Christ to be the Son of God, but that he is the Soul of God.
We all believe in the Koran, and that Mahomet is the Prophet of
God.' Saturday, March 25. Went before breakfast to the great
Festival of the Annunciation. We had a sermon in Arabic . . .
We remarked, as before in Nazareth, the expensive head-dresses
of gold coin worn by the women and children. We left at seven
o'clock. Came to Mount Tabor. I left my horse behind, and
went up. Had a hard scramble; started four large partridges, and
one small snake, and one large one nearly five feet long. He ran
from rne, and I from him. On the top are fine J uins of ancient
buildings. The view was very fine. We saw Cana in the dis-
tance among the hills, and the Sea of Galilee. . . . The flowers
around had a delicious fragrance. On the top of a hill we at
length had a beautiful prospect of the sea, or lovely lake, spread
below us. Tiberias is down under the hill, and looks very
prettily. . . .
" Sunday, March 26. This morning I sat and read by the shore
of Tiberias the events connected with the scenery of the lake.
The parable of the sower, the walking on the sea, the meeting
with Peter, the preaching to the multitude from the boat, the
going into a mountain apart to pray, all seemed real as never
before. The account of the Transfiguration also I read, and felt
the strong probability that it really was Tabor, as tradition makes
it to be. ... Monday, March 27. The Bedouins are encamped
all around. Some of them came out on horses, and followed us
a while. They rode their rough-looking horses without bridles, and
dashed and wheeled in wild sport among themselves. They were
dressed with the silk scarf over their heads, the square end hang-
ing down their shoulders, and a gay red and yellow broad mantle
JOUENET INTO SYRIA. 159
hanging upon their backs; and with their loose robes as they
dashed along, they were graceful-looking fellows. . . . The sun
set beautifully, and Mount Hermon was white with snow.
" Tuesday, March 28. We had a disturbed night with the
jackals howling. They came close up to the tents, and worried
the horses, arid drove them frightened up on to our tent-cords so
as to break them. . . . Came upon the Jordan. The scenery is
very picturesque. The fall of the river is great, and could carry a
great number of spindles (reckoning by a Yankee standard). The
old Csesarea Philippi is very romantically situated. . . . The color
of the people has been growing lighter as we go north. We saw
women in a village with the horn for a head-dress, a foot high, but
covered with white drapery. To-night a pan of charcoal we found
very comfortable in our tents. Wednesday, March 29. A very
cold night. The frost was severe. I made snow-balls in one
place. . . . We are the first this season on the road to Damascus.
. . . The mountains covered with snow are very fine, contrasting
beautifully with the brown and green hills. The city of Damascus
at length appears in the distance, with white minarets rising up
like the masts of ships; and the view is certainly very interest-
ing. . . . Passed a cemetery with green leaves stuck in small
bundles at the head of every grave. The leaf, an emblem,
Achmed said, of 'too much pity.' . . . The first entrance to
Damascus gave no very favorable impression of this city of the
caliphs. It was dirty and dusty, and the streets were narrow. It
was like Cairo, only more purely Oriental. . . . We are here at the
Hotel Palmyra. Our chamber is spacious. A large fountain of
water is in the centre of the court, with orange-trees. Our floor is
paved in mosaic with marble. The murmuring sound of the water
is very pleasant on a hot night. . . . The costumes, faces, and
every thing excite wonder, with the magnificent silks, scarfs, etc.,
displayed along the streets. . . . We saw some elegant shawls in
the shops. The seller, as is usual in the East, fixes the price
double what he will take, and the buyer offers half the sum ; and,
after long trafficking and a feint on the part of the purchaser to
leave, they come to terms. . . . We went to the place where Ana-
nias touched the eyes of Paul. . . . Went to see the silk goods
manufactured. . . . There is no place we find where steel is
worked in this city, once so famous for its blades. The art has
died out. ... I am afraid the news of war in Europe is going
160 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
to interfere with my travels. Sunday, April 2. Mr. Brigham
called me early this morning, at five and a half o'clock, to visit
some churches.
" Monday, April 3. I have just got over the numbness of a most
disagreeable, cold, stormy ride, and am writing while waiting for
dinner in the room of an Arab house, where we have found shel-
ter. . . . Nothing could be more disagreeable than the weather.
It would have done credit to our February in New England. Be-
sides, the road was very slippery, among loose rocks. Sometimes
we came to a stand, as the road did not seem passable. . . . Poor
Achmed had never seen such weather, and did not know how to bear
it. . . . My horse fell headlong once in the blinding sleet and the
mud. The rider escaped with a slight wrench in the knee. . . .
We could see vineyards all around. On a pleasant day the ride
would have been charming. . . . Finally we reached this little
village, Zebedani. . . . We are all crowded round a blazing fire in
this little mud-house; and the women and children are watching us
as we dry our clothes, or jump about to restore the circulation. . . .
We are packed pretty close for the night. . . . The mule-men
smoked, and talked loud ; but we were thankful for the shelter, in
spite of fleas and the cold. This morning the road is so bad that
we are obliged to wait. The day has gone in journal-writing,
and in laughing at each other's jokes. Mr. R struck up
'Home, Sweet Home.' We all joined; but the music soon grew
faint, and we found the eyes were filling with tears. . . . Wednes-
day. This morning was pleasant. . . . The scenery, with the
dazzling snow, was very fine. . . . We came later in sight of the
great plain of Baalbec. The view was magnificent. . . . We
got to Baalbec before dark. It was a glorious view, the great pile
of ruins. . . . The ceiling of the portico is exquisitely sculptured.
. . . Nine out of thirteen columns still remain. . . . There is
a finely sculptured eagle, and there are figures of winged human
forms." . . .
These temples made a great impression upon the travellers,
and were thoroughly examined, and are minutely described
in this journal on several pages, which we omit.
"We went back to our Arab house. It belonged to a Christian
family. The lady and her two daughters made us a visit, and the
JOURNEY INTO SYRIA. 161
two daughters let their attentions continue most of the time till we
went to bed. They were thirteen and fifteen years old, both very
pretty, and very eager for compliments, but more so for ' back-
sheesh.' ... As we left Baalbec, the view from behind of the
temple, with the sun lighting up the plain, and shadows from the
clouds, was very fine. ... Friday. I heard the pleasant sound
of a church-bell at Zahle. This village has a population of Ma-
ronite Christians. ... In the regions of snow again. Our own
horses often fell in the deep snow. ... Saturday. We were
mounted earlier than usual. Our last day's journey. We were re-
joiced at the prospect of the speedy termination of our Syrian
tour. ... I, chiefly because I was expecting at Beyroot my let-
ters from home. Four months and more had passed since I had
received a letter from my friends. ... I could hardly keep to
myself my intense eagerness to be possessed of my letters. . . .
Got to Beyroot about noon. . . . Found my letters, and all was
forgotten but home and friends."
We close our chapter, leaving our young traveller reading
his letters, dreaming fondly of New-England hills, and loved
homes, and following with hungry eyes every detail of the fam-
ily life, the talk of the neighbors, the news of the churches,
the doings of his first and beloved parish, and the interests,
not only of his religious denomination, but those of the whole
dear country beyond the seas.
CHAPTER XVIII.
JOURNEY TOWARDS EUROPE.
1854.
Beyroot. Friends. Letter to Sunday School. Damascus.
Smyrna. Constantinople. Howling Dervishes. Pirseus.
Acropolis. Athens. Mount Pentelicus. " Maid of Athens."
Malta. Rome.
WE take up the journal again towards the end of the
Syrian experiences, and give a few more jottings be-
fore the travellers reach Europe, passing over, as we have
already done, a good deal, on account of the limits of our
volume.
" Beyroot, April 9. It is a lovely day. I am sitting in my room
with the windows open before me, looking out across the balcony at
the blue Mediterranean. ... In the morning we went to church at
the American Mission. The hymns, people, and all, reminded us
of home. All made me feel as I have not done for a long time.
The rides through mud, the sleeping in tents, the contact with
Arabs, the annoyances, the fatigue, and the excitement, and the
pleasure, which have made up the past experience of the last few
weeks, all seem like a dream; and I was brought again to the
world which I had left so long. . . .Monday, April 10. Had a
pleasant talk with the gentlemen of the mission. . . . They told
us about the work, and their translation of the Scriptures into
Arabic, etc ... Also atout the Druses. Their belief seems to
be much allied to Gnosticism. They have various grades of ini-
tiation. They believe in transmigration of souls. ... Dr. C
hag invited me to go with him to Abiel. Saturday, April 15.
Started with Dr. C . ... My old friend and townswoman,
JOURNEY TOWARDS EUROPE. 163
Mrs. B , and her husband, missionaries, watched us from afar.
with a telescope, and came out to meet us. Had a very pleasant
visit with them. Sunday. I am writing to-day a letter to the
Sunday school."
This letter appears to be an answer to two or three letters
which he had received from the young members of his Bible-
class, and which he gratefully acknowledges, expressing the
delight these letters gave him, and asking the writers to
excuse him for not answering each one, but to accept this
one for all in return. He describes the experiences which
we have already passed through with him. Here is a little
passage about Damascus, which is more impressive than any
account of this old city in his journal, and is of the right
kind to awaken the young people's interest :
. . . "But it is, after all, not so much for the sake of those
associations [with Paul and Christianity] that one visits Damascus ;
for there are other places more easily accessible, which have such
attractions quite as interesting. We go to see one of the most
curious cities in the world. It is the oldest city, which has pre-
served its importance without interruption until now. It was a
great city in the time of Abraham; and in the time of Jesus it was,
probably, almost the same as to-day. In the coffee-houses you
may see still, every day, a group around a story-teller, who is
reciting with excited gestures the same tales we have all read in
the ' Arabian Nights Entertainments.' One might spend weeks
in the bazaar without wearing out the novelty of the sights we wit-
ness there. Mohammed would not visit Damascus for this reason,
that only one paradise is intended for man, and that he should
find in heaven. In the Arab geographies this city is styled ' The
Pearl on the Xecklace of Beauty,' ' The Plumage of the Peacock of
Paradise.' . . . Tuesday, April 18. Stormy this evening. ... I
went to Lieut. D 's grave in the cemetery, and gathered some
flowers for his friends. ... Thursday, April 20. A beautiful
day. . . . We left Antonio's comfortable hotel, and went in an
open boat to the steamer. The sea was rough. We were almost
sea-sick. ... Friday. This morning we arrived at Tripoli.
. . . We sleep on the open deck. ... Saturday, April 22. . . .
164 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
We saw the situation of Antioch. The night was lovely. The
scenery is among the finest we have seen upon the Mediterranean,
at the port of Aleppo. The view was like scenes in Switzerland.
We all exclaimed in admiration. The long trains of loaded camels
went on their way, some over the plain till they were lost among
the mountains. Some of us went on shore, and sat on the beach,
and took a bath. We saw some remains of Roman ruins. Sun-
day, April 23. Still beautiful weather. We approach the port of
Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul. Monday, April 24. Just north
of Cyprus. ... Tuesday, April 25. We awoke in the har-
bor of Rhodes. . . . We took a boat to visit the town. . . . We
entered a gateway, and turned into the street of the Knights of
St. John, which is lined with their houses. Their old armorial
bearings are still fresh upon the fronts of the houses, and the mas-
sive gateways and arches and buttresses have not been changed
since the brave old knights were compelled to leave their homes.
. . . We can see Patmos in the distance. At eleven we turn the
promontory into the Gulf of Smyrna. The day is as lovely as
possible. We have just seen a race between two of the little ves-
sels of the Archipelago rigged in their peculiar style. [Here is a
drawing of the vessel.] It was pretty to see the little craft dashing
along with the capital breeze. Evening, Smyrna. Castle Hill
rises up with the castle on the top, and the place of Polycarp's
martyrdom. To the right of the city is a large grove of cypresses.
... Steamer ' Mentor, 1 April 27. Went back on shore to look
at the town. Saw a convent on the site of the church in Smyrna.
One of the ' seven ' of Asia Minor. . . . We saw the excavation
of the old amphitheatre, and the fragments of arches that led into
the dens of wild beasts. It is here that Polycarp was martyred.
There are vaults underground, but they have been closed up,
because several persons were lost in their zigzag windings. . . .
A French war-vessel brings the Prince Napoleon to the heat of
war. . . . After lunch we went to our steamer, parting company,
after a long companionship, with Mr. Brigham, Dr. L , and
Mr. D , who were bound to the Piraeus. Our steamer is going
out of its way to carry soldiers to the war. They now cover our
deck, an interesting group with a great variety of costumes. . . .
This morning we were amused in seeing an officer eat his breakfast.
An attendant cut up his cheese in mouthfuls, and helped break
his bread, using the dagger from his girdle. He had some black-
JOURNEY TOWARDS EUROPE. 165
looking olives, and drank brandy and water. The attendant
touched his breast and forehead every time he handed any thing
to his master. . . . We saw Mount Ida covered with snow. . . .
Lemnos is on our left. We stopped an hour at the town of Dar-
danelles (Abydos). At three P.M. we arrived at Gallipoli. The
whole bay was brisk with galleys, running between the ships and
shore Many ships-of-war were anchored here, and merchantmen
and steamers. The French flag is flying in many parts of the
town. The shore was alive with business of the war. The streets
were full of soldiers. A salute was fired in reception to Lord
Raglan. Saturday, April 29. The first view of Constantinople
was rather disappointing. Smyrna had a fine background of hills,
but this city appeared to be on a low reach of land. But, as we
drew nearer, the beauty of the city became more apparent. The
mosques showed themselves finely. Scutari, on the right, was con-
spicuous with its barracks and cypress-groves, and the tents of the
forty thousand English soldiers quartered there. After some delay
we went on shore. . . . We saw quite a number of friends. . . .
To-morrow we have an invitation to a service on board the Ameri-
can frigate, and another to go up to the Golden Horn to the service
of the female seminary. Sunday, April 30. At the river we took
a caique. Such a graceful little thing! We sat in the bottom,
and the man made us shoot like an arrow along. ... Monday,
May 1. We have formed a party for visiting the mosque, etc. . . .
Saw a charming procession of little girls in white. Tuesday, May
2. ... We were amused at the way two of our own naval officers
got into the mosque. The necessity of either taking off the shoes,
or putting slippers over them, they met, by one of them wearing
India rubbers, which he took off at the door, and the other put
them on. The Turks in attendance looked as though it wasn't
quite in order, but couldn't tell exactly how it was wrong.
Wednesday, May 3. We have made one of the most delightful
excursions possible up the Bosphorus."
This sail, like a great many other excursions, is described ;
but our space will not allow their insertion.
" The water was enlivened by vessels-of-war. The scenery re-
sembled that on the Hudson. ... In the P.M. we went to Scutari,
to see the howling dervishes. . . . They first went through with the
regular prayer, and then they chanted together. It was nearly an
166 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
hour before they were fairly excited. They began swaying their
bodies, and the singing was wild and loud. There was one person
in particular among them I noticed from the first. ... He had
a slight figure, and nothing sensual in his appearance. He became
wild with excitement, and outdid all the rest in the violence of
his bodily movements. He threw off his outer clothing, and the
perspiration rolled off his face. From singing they came to groan-
ing. . . . When they stopped, it seemed as though some of the
men could hardly stand. There were some interesting ceremo-
nies. The young man of whom I spoke began astonishing feats.
There were handed to them, from the walls, two instruments like a
long spike with a ball at one end, surrounded by a sort of fringe.
They began thrusting them into their bodies, while their com-
rades were singing and shouting. The young man took all our
attention. He was naked to the waist; his veins were swollen
with excitement; and his face had a deep, settled expression of
melancholy mingled with determination, such as is seldom seen.
He seemed like one who had committed some fearful deed, and
desired to do penance for the whole. He would dash forward,
and strike wildly at the floor, or in the air, as if to drive away
some imaginary enemy, and then strike the points of his weapons
in his naked side, then go to the priest for him to strike upon the
head to drive them in deeper; and so, for many minutes, this
was kept up, making a very exciting spectacle to behold. After
this, there was an embracing of all with each other, and the cere-
mony was over. It was a most remarkable exhibition; and, with
all that was revolting, we could not help admiring the apparent
devotion of the fine-looking old chief, and one or two of the others.
. . . Monday, May 8. ... We went to the burying-ground,
perhaps the largest in the world. The coolness of the cypress-
trees was very refreshing. Mr. V tells us that the Mahom-
etans believe they are only temporarily in Europe; that Asia is
their peculiar continent ; and that one day they will remove
thither, and possess Europe no more. Therefore, all who can
afford it desire to have their bodies carried from Constantinople
to be buried in Asia. It may be that their belief is some day to
be verified. . . .
"Friday, May 12, P.M. We left Constantinople on Wednes-
day. . . . This morning I rose at six. We had just passed Mara-
thon. The pilot told me all the places. I saw Cape Colonna.
JOURNEY TOWARDS EUROPE. 167
We rounded the point, and turned up towards Athens. The first
sight of the Acropolis was intensely interesting. It stood as if to
allure us, and then vanished behind the hills. At nine we reached
the harbor of the Piraeus. . . . Saturday, May 13. We had
the same guide as Professor Felton, and other Americans. . . .
After arranging matters, we made our visit to the ruins of the
Acropolis. I shall not now attempt to describe any of them, or
the magnificent view of the mountain and plain. The temple, the
theatre, the prison of Socrates, Mars' Hill, the Hill of the Nymphs,
the garden of Plato, the harbor, and Salamis, etc., all in sight
together, made the view perhaps the finest I had ever seen.
" Sunday, May 14. The day has been very warm, but beauti-
ful. In the morning we went to a Russian church. After that,
we went to the Temple of Jupiter Olympus, and crossed the Ilyssus
to the site of the Lyceum. The Ilyssus is never any thing more
than a brook; though there are two fine bridges across it, one of
white marble with three arches. . . . Monday, May 15. We
started at seven and a half for Mount Peutelicus, all the rest in a
carriage. I went with our guide on horseback. On the way I
had an interesting talk with the guide on the affairs of Greece.
. . . The road lay along a beautiful plain, with Mount Hymettus
on the right. We heard the nightingales singing. We stopped
at a monastery at the foot of Mount Pentelicus, and then left the
carriage to begin our ascent. Half-way up is the grotto of Pan ,
a large cave with stalactites, and considerable beauty. The white
marble seems to run in veins. From the top of the mountain we
have a most interesting panorama before us. First, the plain of
Marathon. . . . Next, the place where the Persians landed, on the
left of the mountains. . . . We lunched on the top of the moun-
tain. My horse came home like a bird. I was an hour and a quar-
ter coming : the rest were two hours. Tuesday, May 16. After
getting our passports, we went to the Acropolis, and spent all the
forenoon in that interesting vicinity. On Mars' Hill we read
the speech of Paul in Acts. On the Pnyx, I read also part of one
of Demosthenes' Philippics. These are among the most interesting
spots of all. What a pulpit for the preacher, and what a rostrum
for the orator! Here Paul made his noble speech to the Athe-
nians. . . . Spent an evening at the Piraeus, to visit Mrs. R .
Certainly one of the loveliest of women. She took us upon the
balcony to show us the view. The Parthenon can just be seen
168 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
above an interesting hill; and sometimes the moon rises so as
to form a background, revealing the space between the columns,
and making the whole building show with a fine effect. She sent
a message to the ' Maid of Athens,' to ask her to come to tea;
but Mrs. Black was not well, and invited us to come round to
her house instead. So we all went. Mrs. Black rose up to receive
us. She is a bright-looking lady of fifty-five, and we see that
once she may have been beautiful. Presently her daughter came
in, a young lady of twenty, tall and slim. She spoke English
pretty well, and we thought she had inherited the charm of the
'Maid of Athens.' . . . Afterwards we went to see the daughter
of Marco Bozzaris (Catherine). . . . Wednesday. Took another
look at Mars' Hill. . . . We went on board the steamer. ...
Steamer ' Olivia,' Friday, May 13. We are pitching about gently
out of sight of land, between Greece and Malta. . . . We saw
Paros and Naxos and Tenos. . . . Sunday evening, May 21,
Malta. A very uncomfortable passage. We went to church, Mr.
D and I, at a Scotch Presbyterian house, with straight-backed
pews, precentor, and sounding-board, and psalter. The town
looked gay with soldiers' uniforms, and ladies in black-lace man-
tillas. ... Wednesday, May 24. On board steamer. We left
Malta at seven o'clock. The evening on board the steamer was
delightful. . . . Capri was in the distance. . . . Mount Etna was
in sight in the morning, covered with snow. . . . We saw the
sunlight touch it Thursday, May 25. We passed Cha-
rybdis. Rhegium looked beautifully under the mountains. Fi-
nally, at twelve, we reached Messina. Saw Stromboli. Flashes
of fire came from the top of Stromboli, and hot stones. . . .
Friday night. Rome!"
Here we close the journal of Eastern life. We have cop-
ied the records which seemed to us fresh, and pervaded with
the personality of the writer, leaving out many details of
custom-houses, or the minute descriptions of architectural
ruins and ancient cities well known to the reader. We
come now to the traveller's experiences in Europe. These
are not so rare: his opinion of picture-galleiies or society,
may be no better than those of a thousand other intelligent
observers who travel. We shall not entirely omit this part
JOURNEY TOWARDS EUROPE. 169
of the journal, as it would make a break in his life, but
shall touch here and there upon it, enough to keep the
thread, and shall especially quote those observations which
he makes in regard to religious and educational institutions ;
as we are dealing with a young student in theology, who,
however unpretending he might be about his "cloth," never
forgot his vocation.
CHAPTER XIX.
TRAVELS IN EUROPE.
1854.
Borne. Florence. Bologna. Venice. Milan. Como. Mar-
tigny. Geneva. Munich. Nuremberg. Fribourg. Dres-
den. Berlin. Charlottenburg. Schools. Unter den Linden.
Erfurt. Luther. Frankfort.
WE left our traveller in Rome. He describes at some
length the sight of Naples, Vesuvius, St. Elmo,
Posilippo, Ischia, and especially notes Puteoli, where Paul
landed. Then they came to Civita Vecchia, where their
patience was almost exhausted by the petty formalities of
the custom-house. He was pleased with the country about
Rome, but entered the city in darkness, surrounded by a
multitude of porters, who took their trunks, and " grumbled
and begged and sneered" when the settlement came. He
thanks the kind Providence that has brought him there, and
hopes to find letters from home.
" Sunday evening, May 28. Saturday morning the first thing
was, to get my letters. I felt extremely anxious, and it was with
trembling that I took the great bundle of letters which I found at
the banker's. I caught at the last date in mother's handwriting,
and found that all were well; and a load was taken from me, and
I was ready for any thing. ... Wednesday, May 30. We have
arranged to go to Florence. Went this morning to Crawford's
studio. He showed us about very politely. ... Perugia, Satur-
day evening. Here is the scene of the labors of St. Francis. The
TRAVELS IN EUROPE. 171
cathedral is a fine old building, with excellent pictures. . . .
Passed the first village of Tuscany. . . . Saw an old Etruscan
tomb, called the Tomb of Pythagoras. Went into a fine old
church. ... Florence, June 5. Florence reminds me of Da-
mascus. Both are on a plain, surrounded by gardens and high
walls. ... Friday. Spent the morning at the cathedral and
Medici chapel and church. . . . Monday, June 12. We rode to
Fiesole. . . . We went into a convent-church. Four monks were
drowsily conning over their prayers, with their energy apparently
quenched, and their capacity for good extinct. It was melancholy
to see them, and a most agreeable relief to meet, on coming out, a
fine, tall, robust fellow with a cheerful countenance, in shirt and
trousers, who was hoeing out the weeds in the walk. . . . When
shall cheerful, sturdy, healthy, practical religion, with charity and
good works, root out the weeds from the un progressive and error-
grown Church ? . . . Saw the house of Michael Angelo and of
Dante. ... We reached Bologna at eight o'clock. . . . Ar-
rived at Ferrara about one o'clock. . . . Visited first the prison
of Tasso, and afterwards the cathedral. . . . We left at three
o'clock for Padua. . . . Left Padua at three o'clock, and in an
hour and a half caught sight of Venice. . . . The strangeness
fully equalled my anticipations. We settled ourselves in a pleas-
ant hotel, the ' Luna.' I never had a more delightful surprise than
when I turned the corner of the great square of St. Mark's. I can
only hope that all my friends may come upon it as I did, at the
end of the afternoon, when only the Tower and St. Mark's are
lighted by the direct rays of the sun, and unexpectedly, as I did:
it realized all my dreams of Venice. I cannot well conceive of a
more bewildering effect of architecture. It awakened a sort of
exultant glow in me. No other architecture has ever affected me
as much except the Gothic cathedrals; and they, of course, aroused
different emotions from this. ... Friday, July 4. Rose early
to take our leave of Venice. . . . Reached Verona at 10^ o'clock.
. . . Did not see Juliet's tomb. The amphitheatre is worth going
a long distance to see. . . . Milan. We walked out here to see
the cathedral. The first impression was about what I expected.
I was as much pleased, but hardly as much impressed. ...
Thursday. Spent a long time in cathedral. Disappointed with
the interior. . . . The nave seemed empty and barny. . . . Went
Friday to the top. View magnificent among a forest of pinnacles.
172 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
The flowers and tracery we were forced to admire, and all the
details were admirable. . . . Went to the Brera Gallery. . . .
The face of our Saviour, in da Vinci's picture, is the finest I have
ever seen." . . .
Here ends abruptly this volume of the journal. We find
little note-books, to which he refers often, containing records
of celebrated pictures, architecture, ruins, etc. They run as
far back as his Eastern experiences, and must have helped
very much to stamp them on his memory, which he always
declared was a poor one. Such little jottings he kept in his
pocket through his daily life afterwards, so that he never
forgot promises, which a man of little memory, unaided,
often loses sight of. We discover, at length, the missing
link, the little volume which joins on where we left
him.
" Logo Maggiore, Sunday, July 9, 1854. Left Como yesterday.
. . . The scenery was very fine. ... It was nearly full moon.
... Sunday evening. Left L at four o'clock. Domo
d'Ossola, July 10, Monday. Walked nearly twenty- five miles. . . .
Cascades were leaping down everywhere, and there was an inces-
sant sound of water falling from the beginning to the end of our
journey. Tuesday evening, July 11. We were climbing the moun-
tain path all day, and had some magnificent views. Reached the
Hospice, and were shown round by an old monk. ... Martigny,
Thursday, July 13. ... It rained; but near the summit of the
pass it lighted up superbly, and we saw all the mountains around.
. . . The highest point was blank and drear, nothing but deso-
late rocks covered with snow; but, under the snow, we found little
forget-me-nots and violets. . . . We started early from Martigny
for St. Bernard. The scenery was very fine. . . . The Hospice is
very picturesque in its situation. ... Saturday. We walked
over Tete-Xoire. . . . We lunched on strawberries and cream at a
little house by the way. . . . We reached Chamouni completely
drenched with rain. Sunday, July 16, Chamouni. Thankful to
have a day of rest. Heard the English service read admirably,
and a good sermon. Spent the day reading and writing. . . .
Magnificent view of Mont Blanc an hour before sunset to-night.
TRAVELS IN EUBOPE. 173
We watched it until the sunlight played last on its summit.
Monday, July 17. Started with a guide for the Brennen. The
roar of the cataracts came up in wavy sounds, sometimes loud, and
sometimes sinking almost to silence. Thursday, July 20, Geneva.
. . . Went to the cathedral where Calvin used to preach. ...
Saturday. Here, again, from Vevay. . . . Off for Villeneuve.
. . . What a lovely sail it was ! The day was perfect. ' Clear,
placid Leman.' What a perfect face it wore! . . . Saw the
summer-house where Gibbon completed his history. . . . We took
a little boat, and rowed for Chillon. . . . It was a charming even-
ing when we returned after twilight. . . . Arrived in Fribourg
at five and a half o'clock. . . . We found the great organ playing
on our return from walking, and went in. It was dark: only one
light was burning at the high-altar. The music sounded finely.
. . . Sunday. Wrote to Bible-class at New Bedford. Went
Sunday night to Berne, arriving at ten and a half o'clock.
" Meiringen, July 26. Have had a lovely and interesting day.
... I took a horse, and came on thus far. Had a glimpse of the
Reichenbach fall. . . . Saw Agassiz' name cut by himself on a
rock. . . . Arrived at the Hospice, and found comfortable quarters.
Next morning rode up to the summit. . . . Reached the Hos-
pitale at the foot of St. Gothard. ... Sunday, July 30, Lucerne.
Went to church. . . . Saw monument to Swiss guard. Finest
thing of the kind I have ever seen. Monday, July 31. Left for
Rhigi. ... Sunday. At the B baths. Wrote letters. . . .
Monday, Aug. 7. Started in open wagon. . . . The ridge of
Saddle-back was a beautiful line of snow, a mass of perfect
beauty. . . . Descended into a warmer climate. Flowers were
more profuse. Harebells up at 8,000 feet, and rhododendrons a
little lower. . . . Magnificent glaciers. ... Tuesday, Landeck.
Descended into the wild gorge. Very grand. . . . Went into the
church here, and it was impressive to see the worshippers in
the dim twilight. ... Innspruck. Had a charming ride here.
. . . Munich, Aug. 12. Wrote home. P.M. Walked out to
see the famous statue. . . . Monday, Aug. 13. Went to see
the collection of sculptures, and to the gallery of Rubens. . . .
Cannot get up any admiration for Rubens. ... Saturday,
Nuremberg. . . . Saw Albert Diirer's house. Sunday, Aug. 20.
Heard an earnest, manly discourse in German to a large congrega-
tion. . . . Saw Diirer's pictures, St. Jerome very fine. . . .
174 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
" Dresden, Aug. 25. Picture-gallery directly opposite our rooms
. . . Young P gives dismal accounts of his schoolmaster, of
the vinegar-dishes, cold potatoes and sauer-kraut, black bread and
greasy sausages, and the close little sleeping-room occupied by four
boys, who won't have the window open. Saturday, Aug. 2b'.
Rainy. Sunday, Aug. 27. Letter from home. Attended church.
. . . Congregation large, but had not the cheerful look I had
expected in a German gathering, but looked care-worn, like the
hard-working men in some American town. . . . Germans don't
evidently understand any thing about living, except economy.
They are none of them clean ; and I can see, as yet, nothing that
looks like comfort.
" Tuesday, Sept. 5. Went to the mine, fitted out with miner's
dress, and lantern at our breast. . . . Down we went, ladder after
ladder, the rounds all muddy. . . . They gave their miner's salu-
tion, ' Gliick auf,' peculiar to themselves. They have a very strong
esprit de corps. The air generally was good. ... Sunday,
Sept. 10. Attended service in the Frauen-Kirche. ... At every
occurrence of the name of Jesus, they all bow the head. ... I
can't say I don't like it. ... Yet there is One ' in whom we live
and move and have our being.' It seemed to me a violation of
Jesus' own words, ' Why call ye me Master ? one is your Master,
even God.' . . . An old man sat by me; and I looked over his
book, and could follow the really beautiful prayers and pious
thoughts, and couldn't help feeling, that, however I might think
the whole system erroneous, yet it is capable of being a form of
the truest devotional exercise. . . . Went to-day to the porcelain
factory. . . . This evening went to the Terrace to get tea, and
listen to the music. Thursday, Sept. 14. Read German paper.
Usual amount of American news. Four paragraphs. Democratic
caucus, knives drawn, a pistol-shot, and people jumping out of the
window. Western banks burst up. Fires in New York. Murders
in Massachusetts. Meantime, doubtless, there have been many
useful inventions, philanthropies, etc., going on; but this is the
only intelligence which appears here. I read in the ' Revue des
Deux Mondes,' this morning, a very sensible and just article on
America. It showed how there are hosts of wild theories and
disorderly movements springing up, and having free play in a
republic. Yet the mass of society is going on steadily, increasing
and improving; firesides are well regulated; and literature is pro-
TRAVELS IN EUROPE. 175
grossing. ... Wednesday night, Sept. 20, Berlin. . . . Land-
lady too talkative, all the better for our German, I suppose.
Our beds are so short that C cannot sleep in them. I told her
how to make them. She consented, but was surprised. . . .
Went to a public examination of one of the schools. The music
impressed me the most. It was of the highest character. . . .
Such perfect time! It was really magnificent. . . . We have
nothing like it."
If he had lived a little longer, the last seven or eight years
would have shown him, what a vast change was being made
among our public schools in regard to choral singing.
" Sunday, Sept. 24. Rainy. Went to the Dom-Kirche. . . .
S gives a dark picture of religion in Germany. But the con-
gregations certainly seem earnest. One woman who sat by me
seemed to me a Magdalen. She was very beautiful, and came look-
ing as though she had been long weeping, and so earnestly whis-
pered her prayers, and listened so eagerly with clasped hands to the
Word of life. My landlady isn't one of the pious sort. She says
she is ' not/rwnm,' and her frequent oaths confirm her assertion.
Monday, Sept. 25. To Charlottenburg. The monument of Louise
is admirable. The king is by her side. The little temple is a
perfect thing, so sweetly and solemnly darkened by blue glass,
yet not gloomy, but awakening a reverent feeling. You could
no more talk aloud there, than though the marble were really a
sleeping queen." . . .
Here we find a little green sprig pressed between the
leaves of the journal, in memory of this affecting spot.
" Talked with a professor about their schools. Considered them
the best in Europe. But yet he said the most noted men in
Germany came from elsewhere. Why is it? He thinks because
the schools are too good; that is, the boys come out old men.
Too much study has tamed their spirits ; and besides, having
gone over so much, they lose the freshness of interest for pur-
suits in after-years. Mathematical science, for example, he would
not have. He would have them study only to get means of pur-
suing the languages, mathematics, etc. Then, when old enough,
176 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
they take it up with the zest of a new thing. I thought there
was much in this."
Such opinions, coming from a German, seemed original
and startling to our traveller. He saw afterwards a tendency
in his own country to imitate European methods ; that is, to
crowd the 3*oung mind with information, rather than to stim-
ulate it to love knowledge, and obtain it.
"Just at twilight I found myself standing by Blucher's monu-
ment in Unter den Linden. The fiery old hero impressed me much.
. . . What a wonderful architectural locality! the arsenals, with
armor and cannon, guard-house, the king's palace, the opera-
house, and the statue of the great Frederick. . . . The bright
evening sky gleamed above the trees, and it was really a most
interesting time. Then I went to tea. Sunday, Oct. 1. ... My
school-friend J.QW here, Dr. , a very able and successful man,
tells me a good deal about his experience. He is perfectly inde-
pendent in his treatment of the nobility, etc. He doesn't use their
titles half the time, he says. . . . Left Berlin Monday. Spent
day in Wittenberg. Arrived in Halle. Called on Tholuck.
Wednesday at Leipsic. Day in book-store. Reach Erfurt. Went
first to see Luther's cell. Very interesting place. . . . Cathedral
a fine pile. Left Erfurt. Saw Eisenach on our way, and Luther's
prison. Scenery fine all the day. Then flat country again, and
we reach Frankfort." . . .
We close this chapter as we approach another period of
his European life, his studies in Germany.
CHAPTER XX.
STUDIES IN GERMANY.
1854.
Strasburg. Heidelberg. Coblentz. Bonn. Frankfort. Halle.
Professor Erdmann. Letter to New Bedford. Ulrici.
Tholuck. Discussions. Christmas. Religion in Germany.
BEFORE settling himself down in the little town of
Halle, there are a few more things which our traveller
must have a look at, and then he means to take hold of
theology in earnest. We find him now at Strasburg, and
cast a glance at his experiences.
" Strasburg, Sunday, Oct. 8, 1854. Journey all described hi
my letter home. . . . To-day the great thing is the cathedral.
. . . Magnificent ! . . . Went this evening to see the cathedral by
moonlight. . . . Reached Heidelberg at eleven and a half. Went
up to the castle. [Description of castle.] Coblentz. ...
Bonn, Oct. 12. ... There was pleasant company on the boat.
Among the people, there were two Catholic priests. One of them,
a man evidently of a strong mind and fine feelings, who conversed
pleasantly with everybody, and, it seemed to me, tried to drop good
by the wayside as he went. The other was a weak brother. I
shall remember him as making my ears tingle; for, on finding
how little German I understood, he seemed to think my defect of
ignorance was to be treated in the same way as deafness, and he
bellowed out close to my ear in a most stunning manner. . . .
Wrote to my Bible-class at home." . . .
This letter we find among others sent to us by his New-
178 MEMOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
Bedford friends. It is a reply to letters which he had re-
ceived from some of the most devoted workers in his Sunday
school.
" Monday, Oct. 16, Frankfort. Left St. Goar in the rain, re-
minding me of the Rhone last November, only without the prospect
of waking up in the sunny, warm haven of Marseilles, on the
Mediterranean shore. I am afraid the contrast in Halle will be
great."
It is plain that the prospect even of study is already cast-
ing its shadows before him. It is evident that the glow of
health is already tinged with anticipated indigestions and
cares, so that he begins to lose a little of his buo3'ancy.
What a pity he could not have left the libraries and pro-
fessors and theological studies alone for a while longer ! Yet
work must be done in this world : the workers must be
properly equipped. He had had his share of recreation ; and
we cannot blame, but approve him, when he broke away from
enjoyment, and put himself down to his tasks. Better to do
something in this world, with a probable chance of life, than
to remain idle with the certaint}* of health.
" Wednesday, Oct. 18, Halle. At my quarters. I lost my train
in Frankfort, and was obliged to stay through the day. I did not
much regret it. ... Saw Dannecker's Ariadne. A beautiful
thing. . . . [Notes of pictures here ] . . . Wednesday evening.
Had a most delightful time at Professor Erdmann's with Y and
D 1 was very tired, but the cordiality of the reception soon
made me forget my fatigue. Professor E and his wife sat
around a cosey supper-table, and talked of Switzerland and
America, and the East and Germany. I have had a most delight-
ful visit. Heard Miiller this morning. . . . Home-letters to-day.
Few things are pleasanter than words from those we love . . .
I answered Mr. H 's letter from New Bedford this evening.
Will copy my letter here."
This letter expresses his cordial appreciation of the desire
to have him return to New Bedford, and informs them of his
STUDIES IN GERMANY. 179
intention of remaining in Germany through the winter for
theological study.
We quote the last part of his letter, as it shows his con-
scientiousness in regard to keeping any parish waiting for
him.
" With regard to my going to New Bedford on my return, if
you should still continue to desire it, I must remain of the same
mind as before. I have received similar communications with
respect to certain other societies; and I answered them, that being
so far away, and my return being necessarily so uncertain, I could
not be thought of by them at all. I know not whether you will
see the force of these reasons which weigh with me ; but to me it
seems as though it would be wrong to myself, and to any society
requiring a pastor, if, during so long and uncertain an absence, I
allowed myself (so far as I could prevent it) even to be thought of
as a candidate for settlement. . . . But I shall never find warmer
hearts and kinder friends than in the field of my earliest experi-
ence with you." . . .
"Saturday, Oct. 21. Called this P.M. with Y and D
on Ulrici. We found him a very agreeable, plain man, cordial
like all the rest; and we had a very pleasant hour there. He asks
us to come every Saturday. . . . He spoke of English and Ameri-
can poets ; said that such as Coleridge, etc , had too much reflexion
for them. The Germans don't like that in poetry. They want
poetry to be gushing, easy, spontaneous, bearing the soul along,
and let deep thought be expressed in other ways. He liked Long-
fellow. D had brought to him Edwards on the ' Will.' He
received it as a new book. He spoke of noticing it in a philo-
sophical journal, of which he is an editor. It was some time
before we could make him understand that it was not of recent
date, but he said it was not at all known in Germany. He de-
cided, after all, to notice it. His only hesitation was as to whether
it would properly come under the head of philosophy, inasmuch as
it deals, not only with the philosophical Scripture arguments, but
with Scripture proofs. In Germany, it is unpardonable for any
one science to overstep its proper bounds. Moral philosophy, or
philosophical ethics, is a branch very little attended to ...
Monday, Oct. 23. Tholuck's lecture began. ... Wednesday,
180 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
Oct. 25. Had a very agreeable walk with Professor Tholuck. . . .
He showed me a house where he lived two summers, and wrote
his reply to Strauss. Spoke of America, and preachers there. Bad
habit of changing societies so often. Monday, Oct. 26. Tholuck
spoke yesterday of the salutations of the different nations. Eng-
glish, ' How do you do?' 'How are your business plans coming
on? ' French, with pride of appearance, say, ' How do you carry
yourself?' Chinese, 'How do you eat your rice?' Dutch (sea-
faring), 'How do you sail?' German, mystical, philosophical,
' How goes it? ' the indefinite it. . . . Spoke of sects differing
not the greatest evil. Would rather have earnest quarrelling and
truth-seeking, than cool agreement. . . . Speaking of Romans,
he said the epistle was at first to him a sealed book, until he was
twenty- three years old. He then read Melanchthon, and got hold
of the doctrine of justification by faith, and now he thought the
book very important. Melanchthon made much of this epistle in
his exegesis in the university. He used to do with the epistle as
Demosthenes did with Thucydides. He said his own opinions on
justification by faith had never changed since; but, in other
respects, his commentaries had been entirely re-written and
changed.
" Thursday, Oct. 26. Took tea with T at Madame M 's,
and enjoyed it exceedingly. Saturday, Oct. 28. Dined at Pro-
fessor Erdmann's, in company with Y , T , and D .
Had a delightful time. . . . While at dinner we heard music,
and, looking out on the balcony, saw a students' ' high go. ' A
procession of carriages, some with six horses, and postilions, etc.
Young men dressed in regalia, some in curious toggery, the fox
with his tails, and another with a powdered wig, etc. ; fine, showy
dresses; and, perhaps, twenty carriages in all. . . . Erdmann is a
strong royalist. But, speaking of the students, he said he consid-
ered it a bad thing when they were not democratic. That was the
natural feeling of youth, and he feels most kindly towards those
of republican tendencies. . . . They say that Tholuck's views are
far from sound, not orthodox enough. ... Friday, Nov. 3.
Led to think something of the grounds of my faith ; as we two here
are Unitarian, and heretics to them. ... Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Bad cold. Went to walk with Professor Huffield. Heard him talk.
He believes that inspiration is by degrees, and never perfect.
Men are made imperfect by their human passions ; and no writer
STUDIES IN GERMANY. 181
of the Scriptures has had this removed, as a writer. . . . He gave
out, in regard to Old- Testament early history, pretty much what
is the idea in Lessing's 'Hundred Thoughts.' I spoke of that,
and he said yes ; that he read it for the first time not long ago,
and was surprised to find the view so nearly his own. ... As to
the assumption of immediate direct intercourse of God with men
in the early ages, he had no objection to believe it, if not carried
too far; but it comes way down to the prophets, ' Thus saith the
Lord,' and makes God sanction unworthy things. ... Thurs-
day, Nov. 9. Delightful evening at Professor Erdmann's; such
true cordiality we don't often meet with; a faculty of entertaining
which makes an evening charming. . . . He regards extempora-
neous speaking as a dangerous habit. He spoke of Bunsen.
Thinks him a live and thorough scholar. ... A little talk on
inspiration, in which Tholuck said he went to Halle feeling con-
scientiously and earnestly constrained to hold the verbal-inspiration
theory, but came out with the conviction that the former opinion
could not stand. ... So when Clark, the publisher in Scotland,
was to publish his series of German translations, he requested
Tholuck to write a preface; and Tholuck consented, but said he
must speak unfavorably of the enterprise. He wrote the preface,
in which he said that he considered these German works an injuri-
ous publication for Scotland, considering the state then of Scottish
religious belief. (Clark never put in the preface.)"
"We must bear in mind that Tholuck was an Orthodox
theologian, in order to appreciate, as our student did, the
growing breadth of his thought. His mind was somewhat
narrow and polemic in its attitude at one time, if we may
judge by his devotional books, and the preface to them,
published some while before these conversations took place.
We do not think that he would have taken at this late period
the same antagonistic position towards Heinrich Zschokke,
whose delightful " Stunden der Andacht" (" Hours of Devo-
tion") have been the consolation and joy of thousands.
" Thursday, Nov. 16. Concert this evening at Crown Prince
Museum. Very good music. One piece from Bach. His Passion
182 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
music is always performed Easter week in Berlin. Professor Erd-
manu tells me that this wonderful work was once lost, and for
fifty years no copy existed; but, accidentally, a friend of Professor
E 's, himself a musician, found a copy of it in Bach's own
hand, in the cellar of a butter-merchant, among waste paper which
he was going to use to wrap his butter in. The friend rescued it,
and Mendelssohn was the first to play it. Erdmann says he himself
was personally intimate with Mendelssohn. Friday, Nov. 17. ...
Tholuck's lectures are very exciting to us all, and supply us with
topics of earnest friendly debate. Saturday, Nov. 18. Stormy.
We walked in Tholuck's garden with him. We began to talk on
a variety of subjects, and got to the Logos. He said he should
publish his notions on the Logos in his next edition of John's
Gospel. He expects it will be very firmly denounced, and perhaps
lose him his place here in the university. But he will publish it
notwithstanding. He says he agrees in the main with Erdmann
on the doctrine of the Logos. . . . Speaking of the confinement of
walking back and forth in that little garden, instead of freely
roaming about in nature, he said he was so constituted as to feel
with keen sensitiveness the thraldom of the body. When one has
an earnest, warm sentiment to impart to a friend, he must put on
his boots, and, in the mud of Halle, go and find him out. No
quick spirit communicates from soul to soul. I suggested, that
perhaps, if the heart is really full, the interest of the feeling will
prevent one being annoyed, or thinking of the process of communi-
cating. Ah ! ' he said, ' but it can't be done unconsciously. You
get the boot on to the wrong foot, or something worse.' I spoke
of Dr. Johnson helping his thoughts by stepping along on every
stone. ' Oh ! ' said he, ' then he had no consciousness.' But then,
after a little laugh, and then a pause, he spoke with serious feel-
ing. ' No: but I do have a feeling with Plato, I feel hampered
iu the body. The body is a sepulchre.' "
We infer from this talk that Tholuck's bodily strength was
not sufficient to enable him to take any long walks with his
young friends and pupils.
"He spoke of Schleiermacher with the greatest admiration.
Tholuck is going to deliver a lecture upon his life. He spoke of
Schleiermacher's peculiarities, acting them out himself, his hump-
STUDIES IN GERMANY. 183
back, and position 'like an acorn;' his habit of having a bon-bon
in his mouth all the time, and turning it over and over; his manner
of lecturing, spinning it all out Tholuck imitating his motion with
his hands like a spinner. He spoke of Schleiermacher's eyes,
which he said were more wouderful in their expression than any
other eyes he ever saw : they seemed more than human. . . .
Tholuck sometimes comes out with sly expressions of humor in
his conversation, and attempts to trip us up and catch us. He likes
to puzzle a foreigner with an unusual German word . . . D
and I spent an hour this afternoon with Ulrici. He spoke of his
' Philosophical Journal,' which he wants to have known in America.
... Thursday. Walk with D , T , or L after Tholuck's
exercise in P.M. . . . Read English and German with two ladies,
Mrs. M and Miss N . Enjoyed it highly. Heard Mo-
zart's requiem. Very fine.
" Thursday, Nov. 30, Thanksgiving. American dinner. Mon-
day, Dec 4. Spent the evening by invitation at Frau W 's,
with a company. Some Lutherans with a bitter hate towards all
who were otherwise were there. When Mr. asked me to
what church I belonged, I told him the Unitarian. He bridled up,
and told me he thought I had been to Jerusalem. I told him
'Yes.' 'But,' said he, 'what interest has Jerusalem for you?
Believing nothing, you have no business in Jerusalem.' It was
most insulting; and I turned away, coloring, without answering.
It was before all had come in, but it rather spoiled my evening.
. . . After supper Madame asked me if she should not introduce
me to Pastor H , the head of a charity movement. I had a
pleasant talk with him, until he asked me to what church I be-
longed. When I told him, his countenance changed, and the
difference was very marked. Still, he asked me to visit him. I
believe, that, with some, this shows a real religious interest; but
with many the religion seems to consist in the principle, ' Hate
all who disagree with you.' But in Mrs. Tholuck there was a
manifestation of most earnest religious spirit brought out in con-
versation with her. Wednesday, Dec. 6. The weather remark-
ably pleasant. We Americans and others of different belief have
frequent interesting discussions together. . . . All agree, that,
when one really feels belief in the authority of Jesus, he is near
enough to fellowship all Christians as members together of the body
of Christ. . . . The news from Sebastopol is very engrossing.
184 MEMOIR OF CBAULES LOWE.
, t . _ Sunday, Dec. 12. At my German lesson to-night. Mrs.
S spoke to me about my encounter the other night. Mrs.
W felt badly at the scene in her house. The sanctification
of the rabid religionists is laughable. Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Spent the evening at Professor Erdmann's. All -we Ameri-
cans were together. Delightful time. ... Friday, Dec. 15.
Walked with Professor Tholuck and S and W (English).
We walked to the graveyard. . . . He spoke of Gesenius, whose
grave he showed us. He had no belief in immortality. When
two of his children died of cholera in one week, a friend went
to console him. He found him deciphering some Phoenician
inscriptions. 'For,' said he, ' I find this the best thing in the
world to drive away care ; for the mind is wholly absorbed in the
difficulty of deciphering, and forgets all else.' . . . Tholuck spoke
of Hase as a man whose writings he should suppose would be
very acceptable to the Unitarians in America, and a man of deep
religious earnestness Saturday, 16. Very rainy. Spent two
hours of the afternoon with Professor Ulrici. In America our
professors of theology have usually been preachers. He thinks
they ought not to be so, but to devote the whole life to study. We
had a little discussion on the point, which of the two systems was
most likely to lead to creeds and sectarian strife. . . . Sunday,
Dec. 17, A.M. Heard Professor Moll. The sermon on 'Behold I
stand at the door, and knock.' The church is a curious specimen
of art." . . .
Here he makes a little sketch of the preacher in his high
pulpit, with his roof over his head.
" Every thing in the arrangement shows the general slavery to
rank and distinctions, certain pews for certain people; and it
would be unpardonable for others to go into them. And the polite-
ness of which the Germans boast so much is signally displayed. The
pews were not one-quarter filled, and yet we were obliged to stand;
and many others also were not invited to take a seat, and probably
liable to rudeness if they had attempted it. ... Wednesday,
20. Lectures closed for the Christmas holidays. Great Christmas
fair going on outside. Merry Christmas and Happy New- Year
were wished us very pleasantly by Professor Erdmaun and Muller,
not by Tholuck."
STUDIES IN GERMANY. 185
He probably does not intend to imply that this was owing
to any want of cordiality on the part of Professor Tholuck,
but simply to a Calvinistic or Pietistic tinge, perhaps, in his
religious opinions, which prevented him from liking these
salutations.
" Thursday, Dec. 21. Received a letter from America. Tho-
luck to-day asked Y to walk with him on Sunday, and to invite
' Dear Mr. Lowe,' in whom he said he found his first agreeable
impressions not weakened on further acquaintance. It was a very
pleasant compliment to hear, and indeed he has shown great kind-
ness to me. ... I asked Tholuck about his views of the judgment.
He believes that at death the soul leaving the body is somewhere in
a state of development with an inward life within itself, probably
not of solitude, but in company with others, and that, when the
time shall come, there will be a judgment (not a day of judgment),
the soul will form for itself a body, not this body risen from the
grave; but as the soul now, in a measure, shapes the body, and ex-
presses itself in the lineaments, so will it do from plastic material
which shall be its body. . . . Speaking of us, he said he was just
now writing, in his Commentary on Romans, a polemic against the
Socinians, and, in writing it, he had often thought of us two young
men, and the passage would remind him of us. He expressed sur-
prise at finding all Unitarians were not mere cold Rationalists.
" Evening, 25. Have returned from the two Christmas cele-
brations. First at Professor Rodiger's. We entered the good-
sized uncarpeted room, with a table in the middle, on which was
the children's tree all decked with candles and fancy bon-bons.
Tea and cake were brought in. Presently was thrown in from
the door a little bundle sealed up, on which was a little scrap
of poetry. It was opened, and the present shown: so followed
presents innumerable, some for children, some for the older
ones; some laughable, some useful; some done up in many en-
velopes, so that, when opened by the one to whom it was addressed,
it proved to be for another, and yet for another. Finally came an
end to that part, and there was a little intermission. Then came
in a fresh instalment. Each of us guests, D , T , Y ,
and I, had some little thing. It was a delightful time. . . . We
were obliged to leave in order to go to Professor Tholuck's. The
long room leading out from the study had in it two tables, on one
186 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
of which was a Christmas-tree very handsomely decorated with
bon-bons and candles, and angels in white dresses coming down
to hail the Christmas Day. On both tables were plates arranged
with confectionery in each, and by each two large cakes baked by
Mrs. Tholuck herself, one gingerbread, and the other a Christ-
mas plum-cake: by each also was a book, a present from Professor
Tholuck. The door of the study was open, and in there, was yet
another table, on which was another tree, and under it a wooden
cottage, five feet long, with many people and the infant Jesus,
sheep in a fold, and donkeys in stalls. There were sixty-three
students, each of which had such a plate and presents. Professor
Tholuck spoke some words of welcome to remind us of the reli-
gious character of all. Professor Tholuck gave me Daniels's ' Latin
Hymns,' with a pleasant little autograph writing of his own."
This little book he kept always on his study-table, and
liked to read in it often before he went to bed at night. "We
find here a little blossom pressed in the journal, which very
likely came from Mrs. Tholuck's writing-bower, covered
with vines, in her parlor. He dwelt fondly through all his
life upon these hours spent in that happy family circle, and
those simple domestic scenes, over which the good wife of
the professor presided so hospitably and affectionately.
" At Mrs. W 's. Talked about communion-service, joining
the church, etc., attending the service. They expressed wonder
at its being possible to keep up any show even of religious observ-
ance without compulsory means. . . . Here every child must go
through the lessons with the pastor, and pass examination, and
have the ceremony of confirmation, before he can enter upon any
duties or office. . . .
" Saturday, Jan. 6. ... I am undergoing this week for a few
days past a fit of low spirits, partly occasioned by a severe cold,
and heaviness, and partly by not having heard from home this
week."
The old demon of dyspepsia was evidently beginning its
work again. A dingy German town, a room with a stove
in it, hours spent in theological researches, unappetizing
food, a harsh climate, all these surroundings, with a deli-
cate man, must have had in time an injurious effect.
STUDIES IN GERMANY. 187
" Miiller says the American students are a great contrast to the
Germans in being much more earnest in study. Monday, Jan.
8. This evening I received a charming present from Professor
Rb'diger's daughter, of a beautiful plant in a pot, a lily of the val-
ley, raised by her own hand. I had previously sent her a philo-
pena present. . . . Friday, 17. Walked with Professor Tho-
luck, and Y also. Very cold. He spoke at some length of his
experience in Halle during the intense excitement in the early part
of his coming here in 1827, in regard to his antagonism to Ration-
alism, how sometimes the police had to guard his house; how he
was exposed to insult in the street; how ginger-cakes were made
to caricature him with mottoes, ' The Jesuit, you know him.' He
said once he was to speak before students in a hall which held four
hundred. It was full ; and many were determined that he should
not speak, and stamped, etc. One young man, with light hair and
blue eyes, jumped up on a bench, and cried out to the rest, ' Shame ! '
He said he would shoot the first one that stamped again. They
were all intimidated. Often after a sermon two or three students
would come to him, and ask him to pray with them. The excite-
ment was intense. I asked him if the morals in Halle were better
now than before. He said 'No.' He spoke of philosophy being
dead in Germany. Miiller said the same to T : that all old
systems were dead, and that a new one must come, based on a new
idea; viz., that of a personal God. Tholuck said a Jew who had
been brought to Christianity by reading Neander's ' Life of Jesus,'
told Hengstenberg of it. He told him it was a wonder he was
not damned by it instead! So much for Hengstenberg's spirit.
We had a little talk about duelling, which Tholuck defends."
He begins now to speak about changing his boarding-place,
and going to one where the price for the table was a " little
higher," showing that his judgment was getting the better
of his old habit of economy. We will follow his movements
in another chapter.
CHAPTER XXI.
NEW QUARTERS.
1855.
The Old Bell. Social Life. Tholuck. Students' Supper.
Funeral. Professor Diman. Philosophy. Illiberality.
Tholuck's Opinions. Farewell to Halle. Gottingen. Ewald.
Students. Kaiserwerth. Dusseldorf . Dutch Landlord.
Rotterdam. London. Parliament. House of Commons.
Canterbury. Bruges. Brussels. Amiens. Paris. Let-
ter to New Bedford. Port Royal. Havre. Liverpool.
English Portraits. On Board Ship for America. Passen-
gers. Discussions. Note-books. Boston Harbor.
WE find him in his new quarters, where he is evidently
much more comfortable ; and he modestly apologizes
to himself for the extra groschen he pays, by reflecting upon
the "difference in the quality of the food." "VVe take up
his journal again.
" Wednesday, 24. The cold weather still continues. It has not
thawed in the sun for a week. I don't know if I have mentioned
the Betc/locke in the market here, the prayer-bell, one hundred
and thirty hundred-weight, which strikes for prayer at morning
and night through the year. Each citizen pays for ringing it. I
do not know its origin; but, when I am alone in my chamber,
I love to think of its interesting meaning. For so many centuries
that call has been given, and so in an unbroken series the pulsa-
tions of that bell have followed one another up to heaven, accom-
panying some pious prayer. ... As it peals gently but clearly out
at mid-day into the busy town, instead of the talk about thalers
NEW QUARTERS. 189
and groschen, and sounds of labor and trade, it seems like the sun-
beam that had lost its way (in Schiller). . . . Chiefly though, as
a relic of antiquity, is it to me interesting, and more so than a ruin
is, because this a custom, and an independent one seems more
living. Sept. 27. Spent a very pleasant evening at Professor
Rodiger's in a most social way, taking a lesson in dancing the
polka from the daughters and niece, partly with music on the
piano from the professor himself."
We cannot help casting back another glance upon this
little family circle, and wishing that parents in America
would take more interest, not only in the studies, but in the
sports, of young people, and make their amusements what
they should be by the parents' presence.
" Sunday, Jan. 29. Still very cold and clear. In church it was
positive suffering. Professor Tholuck preached the best sermon
I have ever heard from him."
He quotes some of this sermon ; and the part where Pro-
fessor Tholuck turns, and addresses the students, shows that
he had a very earnest and sympathetic manner, well suited to
win their attention.
"In the P.M. went to the meeting of the Frei Gemeinde at the
hotel near the station. Only fourteen present besides myself.
One man went to a sort of pulpit, and read extracts from Para-
celsus' life. There was a little conversation. They were mostly
shoemakers, but very well balanced, and seemingly thoughtful.
There were three women only. Wednesday, Feb. 9. At the
Wingolf Verbundung, which celebrated the anniversary of the call-
ing on the German youths by the king, in 1813, to rise in defence
of their fatherland. The beer, the music, the Vaterland song, with
rapiers, the hat-stringing, the fence-breaking, and storming of
Halle's gate, are all described in my letter home."
We have made an attempt to find this letter, but fail to do
so. We recall, however, vividly, the glee with which he once
described a students' gathering to us, and have no doubt it
was this occasion. At the table, we remember, there was a
190 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
great clashing of swords, and their caps were stuck on the
rapiers at the end of each song. Every one was required to
sing ; and, if he refused, woe be to him. In the fierce sport,
he might be hacked with the rapier for not obeying. Our
American friends were called upon, with furious clapping ;
and the moment was a critical one for them. Could any one
of them sing a song? It seemed impossible. The excite-
ment increased. The rapier might come over their heads
any moment. One of them, spurred by necessity, sprang
up, and began "John Brown had a little Ingin," When
he got to the refrain, " One little Ingin, two little Ingin,
three little Ingin boys," the students were crazy with
delight. The}' couldn't understand a word of it, but they
liked the swing of the song ; and, as for the Americans
themselves, they were roaring with laughter at the success
of the joke, and the way they came off with flying colors.
"Monday, Feb. 12. Weather still intensely cold. There seems
here much suffering among the poor. . . . Had a skate a few days
ago with the Rddigers, and a pleasant tea-party in the evening.
... Wednesday, Feb. 14. Funeral of a student. Pastor Hoff-
man walked between two officers of the society, each with a naked
rapier. In the yard, at the grave, they sang, while the bearers
stripped the coffin of its wreaths and ornaments, and lowered it
into the grave. Pastor H made an appropriate address, and
read the service, while they threw earth into the grave as he
repeated Dust thou art,' etc. Then the officers of the society
stood around the grave, and crossed rapiers over it, and sang again.
Thursday. Played children's games at Professor Rodiger's. . . .
Attended the meeting of the Old Lutheran Society. Service not
different from others in many respects. Sermon good, but bitter
against science in theology, etc. Singing deaconed off in a some-
what canting whine; confession afterwards ; people kneeling ; priest
pronouncing absolution of sins, and making over them the sign
of the cross, and then coolly and indifferently pronouncing eternal
damnation on all who had not confessed. Thursday, Feb. 22.
Talked with Mrs. W and others about domestic life in America,
and the relation of husband and wife. They think badly of the
NEW QUARTERS. 191
liberty allowed to children. The position of the wife is very low
here. Even in the best families, she is regarded as an inferior."
Professor Tholuck's union appears to have been a model
of domestic affection ; and yet, if we read his ' ' Hours of
Christian Devotion," we shall see, that, in his chapter on the
"Marriage Relation," he goes beyond Paul himself in his
ideas of subjection.
" Professor Phelps of Andover has been here several days. . . .
The natural philosophers and doctors here are mostly materialists.
A young doctor walked with D . The former said, ' It is all
right for you to study theology. It is your department. I have
nothing to do with it: it is not my department.' So everywhere,
in all professions, they look upon theology and religion merely as
a science, with its own men devoted to it, and others are free to
neglect it entirely."
D , we may say here, was the late Professor Diman of
Brown University, R.I. Professor Diman, in a letter about
his friend, says, " I made his acquaintance during the winter
that we passed together at Halle ; and I have still hanging
in my study the souvenir, marked with his name, that he
gave me when we parted. I need not say how much the
enjoyment of that winter was heightened by his sunny com-
panionship."
" Wednesday, Feb. 28. Went to make a farewell call on Pro-
fessor Erdmann. Had a delightful, cosey time and cordial leave-
taking. . . . Liicke he spoke of as a great loss; but he thought,
as a theologian, he was wanting in fixedness of dogmatic views.
He was rather an amiable than a rigid thinker. He was a result
of the Schleiermacher movement. Dorner is much esteemed in
Gottingen. ... Friday, March 2. Took my walk with Pro-
fessor Tholuck. Talked about America. ... As we turned home,
I asked him about his views on the atonement. He believes it is
to reconcile man to God, and not God to man. ... As to the
question if he thought Christ omnipresent, he says, no; but there
is a power, an energy, an activity, going out from him, as the light
and heat from the sun. Not even praying to him implies omni-
192 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
presence. Calvin did not, he said, believe in his omnipresence,
but made him localitur, and only present virtualiter. But this mys-
terious presence with the believer, the Holy Spirit as imparted by
him, as a living power, he urged very strongly."
These views, from an orthodox theologian years ago, are
worthy of note. The young man's opinions, we might see
from this conversation, and others if fully recorded here,
are yet unformed. He is only a listener, putting in, how-
ever, a suggestion here and there modestly, when he drifts
away from the speaker.
When his pupil asked Professor Tholuck what he thought
about those who lived before Christianity and the heathen
world to-day, he said " they would have Christianity offered
to them in another world, and so no man would really come
truly to God but through Christ."
" To-day I have had occasion to sympathize with Y , who has
opposition to his plans from the existence of a narrow feeling of
abhorrence to new views in America. When I see how different
this is from the liberal, generous views of Professor Tholuck, wfio
honors earnest inquiry however much he may deplore the results,
it makes me feel, as I hope I always shall, a determination not to
yield to a narrow prejudice, but to seek myself, and treat manfully
and generously all who do the same, however much we may differ.
Speaking to-day very highly of Ewald, from some of whose views
he strongly dissents, Professor Tholuck said, ' Well, he is composed
of many metals; and what though there may be in the composition
many base ingredients, we will honor and be grateful for what is
pure.' "
His time of study may seem short, because we have passed
lightly over his journal; but his winter in Halle is really
coming to a close. He begins to take leave of the profess-
ors and kind, hospitable friends.
" Received from Mrs. M a copy of a song called ' Liebe
Wohl ' (which I had spoken of to her) and a beautiful note. In
the evening we had our last reading. I sent her flowers from Jeru-
salem and from Egypt. Had the Americans, etc., to tea. I was
NEW QUARTERS. 193
tired, arid a little sad at the thought of parting. I gave each a
picture of Halle in remembrance. Called on Major P , Frau
W , and her daugher, Mrs. S . They gave me affectionate
farewells, and had forme two views of Halle, one for mother,
and one for me. Called on Frau W , the old lady, with Frau
F . They had cordial words for me, and also Mrs. S . It
was all somewhat trying for me. . . . Called at Professor Tho-
luck's to say good-by. He kept me till the other students had
gone, and gave me his book for me to record my name ; and then,
sitting down in a chair facing me, he spoke a few words of serious
earnestness, interrupting my words of thanks for the opportunity
he had given me. He said he wished to impress one thing on me,
even in the midst of men, to speak and think of God ; and above
all"
Here follows the sentence in German :
"' between the hours of occupation, keep some quiet hours for
prayer to God; and, when you pray for those who are dear to you,
pray also for us. ' He seemed to speak from the heart. I could
say nothing more ; and he only pressed my hand, and turned away,
not with the usual smile, but with a look of seriousness and sor-
row, as if thinking on the trials of the life which lies before a
young man going forth. It was an affecting time to me. Wednes-
day, March 14. Dusseldorf. Friday was my last day in Halle.
... At Magdeburg, on my way, I had an hour or so to visit
the town. My companions were a newly married couple, who
did not try at all to conceal their affection, but kissed as freely as
though they were alone. I thought it worth noticing as proof of
German Gemiithlichkeit, and readiness to care for others, that, even
under such circumstances, when they might be expected, more than
any others, to be completely shut up in their own selfish feelings,
they both were very kind to me, and interested in my wants. . . .
Tedious ride to Gdttingen. Sunday. Went to Professor W 's,
where we met Professor Ewald and his wife. He is a fine-looking
man, but too egotistic and positive. Nobody in the world knows
any thing but Professor Ewald. Tholuck hum ! No philoso-
pher! Hiiffeld received nothing but contempt. Rodiger was noth-
ing; and Gesenius had succeeded by stealing from him, Ewald!
. . . The style of things in Gottingen is on a much more expen-
sive scale than in Halle. I was proud of some of our American
194 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
students there, so earnest they were in science, and seemingly fine
fellows. They came on Sunday, and then to bid good-by ; and
most of them went with me to the station. Professor Bettman
also came with us."
The very smallness of these theological and scientific cir-
cles is what gives them their charm. Fancy the faculty of
Oxford, or Cambridge in this country, going down to the
train to see off a young foreign student ! Yet this condition
of things carries power with it. The quality of feeling mani-
fested in an institution for education, is much more important
than the quantity of students. Our student saw that we are
in danger, by our desire to have things on a large scale in
this country, of losing that finer human development which
smaller schools have fostered.
" Reached Hanover in about an hour. Walked to Kaiserwerth.
Pastor Fliedner was away. Saw the institution, his wife, and the
sisters, who showed me over the charitable institution. . . .
" At twelve o'clock we reached Dusseldorf, at this good hotel:
the landlord, Beeking, is a Hollander. His whole life is evidently
given to the comfort of his guests, and receiving them with kind-
ness. He has just now gone to see a countryman to the boat for
Rotterdam. He says he always accompanies his countrymen when
they leave, and yet he doesn't suffer in his own comfort. He takes
the good things as well as his guests. The house is a pattern of
neatness and order. He sits all day with his wife and daughters,
nicely dressed, always in good-humor, his faculties perhaps dulled
a little by wine and good living, but not coarse in appearance.
He deserves, if I were not too sleepy, to sit for a somewhat ex-
tended portrait, as a genuine specimen of an ideal Dutch land-
lord."
This picture reminds us of our old country taverns, where
the landlord was often the most conspicuous person in the
village. This scene is a fit complement to the leave-taking
in the theological school, showing the same simple elements
of human life and affection, which are being somewhat lost
in our larger civilization.
NEW qUAETEES. 195
" Tuesday, March 15, steamer ' Stadt Maintz.' On the boat, all
the talk was about America. I had to hold forth for some time.
Discouraged some, and advised others, ill-prepared, to get their
friends' addresses, or they would be swallowed up by sharpers in
London and New York. One after another shook hands with
me at parting, and wished me a pleasant journey. . . . Last
night in the hotel was a young Hollander who used ' Potts-jerkins '
and ' Donnerwetter ' and similar exclamations with a frequency
that would have done well to be reported for a Knickerbocker
sketch. Arnheim. Walked about the town. Nothing noticeable
except cleanliness. Left at 9 the next day for Amsterdam. We
stopped on our way at a genuine Dutch inn, where we saw
burnished furniture, crockery, fire-place, clock, cow-shed, etc.
Reached Amsterdam before dinner. Wonderful city, canals and
streets, fine houses and stores. Reached Harlem at eight o'clock.
Enjoyed to-day the church, and 'organ music. Thought of the
times when the settlers went from Harlem to America. My ideas
of Dutch character are much changed from what I have seen.
They are truly a noble race: such energy and enterprise are seldom
seen on the Continent. Monday, March 19, Rotterdam. Hotel
St. Lucas. ... I have heard some Blatt-Deutch spoken in a res-
taurant. It is a curious dialect. It seems to me like a sort of
abortion intended to be something else, either English or German,
and spoiled in the making: every thing about the people, too, who
speak it, seems in this crude condition. I notice the difference
between the people here and the Germans. You get into a third-
class car anywhere, and the people in Germany all begin to jabber
together as if they were just returning from a frolic; but here,
though the car was full, not a word was spoken all the way from
Harlem. . . . Hague. Fine city. Went all about. . . . Re-
turned at two o'clock. . . . Rotterdam is a fine city. . . . We are
in the regions of carpets again, a luxury unknown in Germany.
... London. Arrived in London. Got letters at banker's, took
bath and breakfast at hotel. . . . Went to hear Gough at Exeter
Hall. . . . Settled in Norfolk Street. Saturday eve. Went to
hear Mr. and Mrs. Wallack in ' Macbeth,' at Drury Lane. Some
of the acting admirable. ... Sunday. Went to hear Rev. Rob-
ert Montgomery. . . . Evening to hear Rev. Mr. Byle's sermon
to young men. It warned them against allowing themselves to
accept any religious teacher or doctrine as infallible (except his
196 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE,
own). Monday morning. In British Museum. Saw Col. L .
Got ticket for the Parliament Houses. . . . Saw Lord Brougham,
brisk, nervous, pleasant man, also Lord Clarendon: he spoke
with hesitation. . . . Lord Lyndhurst spoke a little. Saw Earl
of Lucan, who was in the charge at Balaklava; and Duke of Ar-
gyle, etc. . . . There was a general air of ease about the whole
scene, and no disorder. ... Saturday. Tuesday, House of
Commons. . . . Friday, saw Miss Glyn as Cleopatra. ... Sun-
day. Heard Mr. Binney. He had a very full house, of the com-
mon order of people. His sermon was good and effective, with
conversational appeal. . . . Heard George Dawson. . . . Called
on Lord W [his travelling acquaintance on the Kile]. He lives
in A Street, which is very retired and quiet, and unpretending-
looking. His fine-looking, powdered, and liveried porter informed
me that 'his lordship' was not at home, but with his regiment
of militia at Dover. I took a train early for Canterbury. Went
to the cathedral. Was very much pleased, especially with the
older portion of the building. ... I noticed, as before, in Eng-
land, another side to the general quiet and religious observance of
the day; that is, much drinking, etc. And I soon discovered
on my journey, that my companions outside the omnibus, driver
and all, were pretty drunk. Before we had gone far, they stopped
at an inn, and spent half an hour in a Good-Friday frolic. I
thought I should have to take the reins; but the road was excel-
lent, and the horses were well broken, and went beautifully. Along
the road, and in Dover afterwards, I saw more drunkenness than
during six months in Germany.
"The country was beautifully undulating, with the pleasant
variety of an English landscape ; hop-fields all around. . . . Left
in train for Bruges. Tormented with commissioners. Tried to get
rid of one on the belfry of Bruges, in order to read Longfellow's
poem. Arrived in Antwerp at 5. The girls here, as in Holland,
are remarkably pretty. ... Sunday. Attended high mass in
the cathedral. ... Monday. Went to the museum. Main
attraction, Rubens' pictures. Saw the Crucifixion, and Adoration
of the Magi. Admirable. Had seen only coarseness in Rubens
before. . . . Here there is sentiment and harmony, and excellence,
above all, in the action. The canvas seems alive. This is notice-
able, compared with Vandyke. I was disappointed in him. His
portraits are fine; but, in the large compositions, there is a fatal
NEW QUARTERS. 197
want of life. They look as if all the subjects were holding them-
selves in readiness to be painted. [Here follows description of the
Magi in Rubens' picture, and enthusiastic account of the Descent
from the Cross, and other pictures of Rubens.]
"Brussels, Wednesday evening, 11. Went to the churches.
. . . Paris, Saturday, April 14. Stopped at Amiens. Saw the
cathedral. [Description of cathedral.] Amiens is a curious old
city. Nothing noticeable but the peculiar air of it all. There is
a sort of confined, worn-out, and pensioned character to all such
cities, that makes them unpleasant to me, like men who have
served in one battle, and have no ambition for any thing more,
and live by telling the story of that, which being in their youth,
when they were active, so different from now, it seems even to
themselves not to have been their own history, but another's. . . .
Reached Paris at 10 o'clock. Went to banker's. Found W.
P from Exeter. Spent evening with him. Quite a treat. . . .
April 21. Met Dr. Morison. Found other friends. Wrote by
steamer this week a letter of resignation to New Bedford. " . . .
This letter, in answer to a renewed call, is lengthy, and
we will not insert it ; but it seems to us as good an illustra-
tion of his conscientiousness and practical wisdom, ! as any
thing we can find.
" Champs filyse'es, L'Arc d'fitoile! magnificent, like the monu-
ments of fallen Babylon and Egypt, waiting for a future age to
record things there. . . . They seem prophetic, independent of
time, and to have a look to the future as well as a memory of the
past. Yet, silent and motionless, we learn nothing from them of
what shall come, but only feel a sort of awe and silent respect. . . .
The lamps of the city are beginning to be lighted, and I turn
away from this scene to the brilliant streets of the gay city of
Paris. . . .
" Saturday, April 28. Visit to Port Royal. ... I had ascer-
tained that the conveyance there was uncertain, and that there was
almost nothing left of the once remarkable abbey. Still, I wished
to go, and fulfil the request of my sister G , also to pluck flow-
ers there for Miss A . I rose at six o'clock. ... I stopped at
La Verriere. . . . There I found an omnibus for Chevreuse, and
was soon on my way. I found, however, that I could be dropped
198 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
at a place nearer Port Royal; so I rode about four or five miles,
and then got down; and, after some bread and butter at a house,
I set out to walk the two miles to the ruins. There was hardly a
house on the way: the country seemed well cultivated. Before
reaching Port Royal comes a wooded part, with wild-flowers bloom-
ing. By inquiring of some peasants, I easily found the spot I was
after. There were a few women feeding cows, and a few peasants
with teams, but hardly a sound, except that of singing-birds,
whose notes sounded sweetly among the trees. The sun was
shining brightly, and the whole scene reminded me of such a
Sunday morning as I have often enjoyed at home. I almost
expected to hear the bell of the old convent resounding through the
valley. The situation of Port Royal is in a lovely valley, sheltered
by moderate hills on all sides. On one, you see the main road,
winding up, wooded and beautiful. The old walls enclosing the
grounds still remain, though dilapidated. I entered by the gate-
way, and followed a path along, till I came to a sort of tower,
which is covered with ivy, and stands in the midst of some mounds,
etc., which indicate the rubbish of a ruin: farther on is a little
recess, entered by steps, in which is a cross. It is in a lonely,
secluded spot. Then you come to a modern house and garden-
walls. This is all that remains. But the situation can be enjoyed
just as well, and it is certainly very lovely. I only staid to gather
a few flowers. . . . Sunday, April 29. An attempt was made to
assassinate the emperor. . . .
" Havre. The days in Paris were busily employed. One even-
ing at Mr. Spring's. Met Horace Greeley there, etc. . . . Ampere,
in a lecture on Alexander and Charlemagne, Caesar and Napoleon,
made the first two a grade infinitely higher than the last two. He
spoke very severely of Napoleon I. , being strongly applauded by his
audience. He had written the lecture during the Republic, and
omitted a part, with the remark, that there was more, which it
would not be advisable now to read. . . . Went out to look at my
steamer from Havre. Three days', instead of two days', voyage.
Wednesday evening, May 9. St. George's Channel. Left Havre at
twelve o'clock. The father of the captain was a fine, jolly old man.
He is wonderful: he entertained me with stories of his eventful
life. . . .
" Saturday, May 12. Steamer 'America.' . . . Our voyage to
Liverpool was tolerably pleasant. The pilot, a very intelligent
NEW QUARTERS. 199
man, told me about the pilot regulations. . . . Capt. H told
me about his fight with an American privateer, of his assisting at
raising wrecks, as agent of insurance company, of adventures in
America in old time, etc., all of which he told with a minute rec-
ollection of names and features and dress, and words of conver-
sation, and a capital imitation of the dialects and peculiarities of
the people he described, which amused me, and gave his stories a
peculiar charm. " . . .
Here is a little bit of character-painting :
..." Liverpool. At the hotel, I saw some curious specimens
of English. I ought to have copied down their conversation as
characteristic of their class. One was a very good-looking man of
society, with head partly bald, well dressed, weak-minded, with
some information (all got from 'The Times'), and the height of
whose attainments appeared to be that satisfied pride of country
which is so amusing in those of his class. The other was one of
those persons of good family, knowing the pedigree of all the
noble families of England. He was a prodigious gin-drinker, and
would swig it after his beer, glass after glass. When they first
came in, it was to take a chop. Then the latter, after the English
blundering fashion, must make himself disagreeable in the attempt
to be very affable to the waiting-girl, injuring her English pride by
asking her when she came from Ireland. After the chop, they
made out to take two tumblers of gin, after two mugs of beer.
The next day I saw them coming in after dinner, and one proposed
to the other some gin. The other thought not just after dinner.
' Oh ! ' said the first, ' I often do ' (I should have judged so) ; and
they each managed two glasses. They had meantime a discussion
on the glories of the present century, and both agreed that no
greater man than Wellington could arise. They talked about
going to the theatre. Got tickets, making minute inquiries as to
the direction, and the spelling of the name, etc. They could not
agree as to the place to go to. One would have thought a matter
of immense importance was pending. I saw them start. Bald-
head was guide He told me afterwards that he always asked
some reliable-looking person in the street, who would say to him,
' Up this street, down that, round there; ' and he would say,
' Stop; tell me only to the first point, and I will inquire again: '
200 MEMOIR OP CHABLES LOWE.
and so, by consummate skill and caution, he came out right. As
I saw them at the hall, he was cross-questioning and shrewdly
examining the boy who tended the door, and who had simply told
him that they were a few minutes too early; that the door was
open at 7 o'clock. They came home after the entertainment, to
have a chop and gin. In the course of conversation I learned that
peaked-nose, the younger, whose eyes stood out with too much
eating and drinking, was an invalid, and practising the utmost
prudence as to his health, deciding to remain in Liverpool a day
longer than he intended, for fear of irregularity in some proposed
route.
" At sea. We have on board some Frenchmen from New York,
Germans from Philadelphia and other places, a young man from
Massachusetts, a planter from Texas, and a Yankee of the ex-
tremest cut, who wondered, the first day we met, how I knew he
was not an Englishman. With the Germans I had some theological
discussions. Both were disbelievers in Christianity. One, because
he cares only for his business, and will not trouble his head about
religion; and the other, because he can argue against the authen-
ticity of the gospel narratives. He mentions Socrates as just as
good as Christ. His God is not one who cares for individuals, and
man has no duty but to love his neighbor as himself. He scoffs at
all outward ceremonies and institutions of religion, and needs no
Sabbath or preaching. Such talk may do well to work on some
people. . . . Icebergs! [Picture of icebergs here.] All jumped
to see them. One two hundred and fifty feet high. Day clear and
cold. Found we had a live Mormon on board. A young Catholic
priest, very combative, argued with him about polygamy. The
poor Mormon looks rather hen-pecked. The priest keeps up his
discussions hotly with everybody. Is not at all disconcerted by the
arguments against him, but has his words at his tongue's end. . . .
On the Banks. . . . Fogs. . . . Very dark. . . . Whistle going
all the time. . . . Rather dangerous. . . . Had a long talk with
the Mormon. ... He seems very sincere. Talked about the
prophecies in Scripture, and the management of their community
and education, etc. ... I asked him if scapegraces were net at-
tracted there by the fascinations of polygamy. He admitted it,
and said such was incidental to every system. He thought the high
aims and sentiments of the majority would overcome all dangers.
He was one of the first leaders of a company. . . . Approaching
NEW QUARTERS. 201
Halifax. ... In the evening I had a pleasant talk with a rough
old man, rather a laughing-stock for his excessive Yankee ways,
but whose sensible and earnest religious belief and life might put
us all to the blush. His clear, liberal, and well-settled belief would
do credit to any theologian, and proved that it is purity of heart
and earnestness of prayer that make the vision and judgment clear.
The Mormon lent me to-day a book called ' Key to Theology,' writ-
ten by one of his order."
We believe that it is not necessary for us to say that he
never forced the subject of religion upon any one. He never
showed his cloth much anywhere, partly from his quiet man-
ners and the instinctive habit of suiting himself to ever} 1 -
body in conversation, and partly from a somewhat unclerical
look, which one, who magnified his office as he did, was far
from affecting. When abroad he was sometimes asked
"where his ship was," being supposed to come from a
man-of-war ; and during our own war, when he was browned
from exposure to the sun in his frequent visits South, he was
also asked " how long his furlough was," and the name of
the regiment he commanded. This was the reason that plain
people were not afraid of him. He was always more or less
reserved about betraying his inner nature, and never would
have thought of drawing out other person's secrets ; but
somehow his heart}', sympathetic manner made commonest
men get on to earnest subjects when they were talking
with him. He gives us quite an extended account of this
Mormon book, a curious medley of theology and spiritu-
alism.
" Friday, May 25. All busy packing trunks. Everybody fix-
ing time of arrival, and changing as soon as he talked with others.
Waiters uncommonly civil as fee-time approached. Insolent if
refused. There were few affecting farewells, for none had become
much attached to each other. Darkness came on as we went up
the harbor, and the lights of the city and shipping greeted our
approach. Taking travelling-bag and coat, I went on shore."
The journal here closes. We find, in the back part of the
202 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
book, a copy of a letter to Mr. Weiss of the same import as
the one he sent to the society in New Bedford, and some
envelopes containing pressed leaves and flowers from the
Chapelle Expiatoire and other places. Before we land him
at home, we glance at the pile of note-books he has left us
with his journal, as records of his study in Halle. These
books contain full notes of lectures, etc. We take up a small
book that seems to be a little memorandum of sermons he had
heard preached in Germany, names of distinguished philoso-
phers and preachers, headings of their works, and names also
of prominent theological or church journals in the country.
His knowledge of the German language had become per-
fected, and he already spoke it with considerable ease and
pleasure. He had no great taste for metaphysics, but he
loved the warm piety of the old German mind. He had
quite a facility for learning languages, and meant to put into
practical results the study of the German philosoplrv, and his
observations of life. On the last page of his book, he copies
down the forms of some notices of deaths as they appeared
in the papers, so different from our laconic statement of these
great events: " Yesterday evening, slept softly my beloved
Henrietta." "Albert went gently home." "At mid-day,
our little Paul sank to sleep. We thank God for the two
long years that he let us have him." Our traveller is ap-
proaching a land where there is not, perhaps, time for the
daily paper to say this, or for the people to hear it. We
await him now on the other shore, where he is to take up
the duties of his profession again.
CHAPTER XXII.
HOME AGAIN.
1855.
Exeter. New Bedford. Salem. Portland. Letter to Parish.
Skeleton of Sermon. Indecision. Accepts at Salem.
Letter about Exeter. Condition of Parish. Settles in Saleaa.
THE voyage home is accomplished. One can never go
across the water the second time as he did the first.
The sensations cannot be repeated. The solemnity of em-
barking, the loneliness of the sea, the good cheer of the
passengers, the talk about dinners, or the hatred of them,
the porpoises and the iceberg, and the imaginary whale, the
sail in the distance, land ahead, and, last, the profound
gratitude to the captain, the hero of the moment, and the
wonderful awe and delight of finding one's self actually on
the soil of the Old World. Who can feel all this but once ?
So we are perfectly willing that the traveller should have
said much less about the details of his return voyage, only
hoping that it gave him new vigor for the work before him.
We take up another volume of his journal.
" June 18, 1855. I arrived from Europe in the America on
Friday evening, May 26, at 9 p M. I met father and uncle J ,
afterwards W and E . Learned then of [his good, hospita-
ble friend in Boston] Mr. Johnson's death. It was a great and un-
expected shock to me. Spent the night at uncle J 's. All the
rest of the news was pleasant. On Saturday came home, finding
all well. I spent the Sunday there, and then went up with mother
204 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
to Boston to attend the anniversaries. Spent the night at uncle
J ' s , and had a delightful opportunity to meet the ministers
and friends. The demand for ministers is so beyond the supply,
that the only difficulty is to choose. I spent the Sunday in Bos-
ton, then went to New Bedford, and received greetings. Sat-
urday. Went to Portland, where they have been wanting me
some time. Saturday, June 16. Went to Salem. Staid at Mr.
L 's. Had a time every way delightful. Sunday was a per-
fect day. The church was charming. Almost like our New-Bed-
ford church. Received a letter on return from the Portland
committee, which I answered as follows."
We shall copy this letter, because the road of 3'oung can-
didates is a hard one to travel, and the example of one whose
sole object seemed to be to do what was right by a parish
and himself, may be of some value.
" DEAR SIR, I have this morning received your very kind and
gratifying letter of the 16th inst., and regret that I cannot reply
in the same cordial and hearty manner in which your letter is
written. I have to-day returned from Salem, where I preached
yesterday, and am still engaged at two other places for the two
Sundays to come. I shall probably make no engagement after
that, for I am unwilling any longer to keep you in uncertainty as
to my willingness to listen to your proposals. I have in the mean
time only to ask that you will indulge me when I claim a little
more time to decide on what is so important a matter for me, and
also that you will have no public action as a society in reference to
me. I will take for granted all you have said of the good feelings
and probable desires of your people, and should be sorry if you
should unnecessarily commit yourselves to a formal vote, unless I
had fully decided to accept a call if given.
" And in regard to the proposed interview with a committee,
gratifying as it would be to me to receive the gentlemen, I cannot
but feel, that, as I am just now situated, it would be fruitless;
since we could probably communicate to each other nothing new,
and I should still be obliged to ask the indulgence which I have
requested above.
"Yours, etc."
HOME AGAIN. 205
We find here the skeleton of a sermon which he was pre-
paring with a view to giving some impressions of his Euro-
pean and Eastern experiences while they were fresh in his
mind. It may be interesting to see how he went to work.
. . . " How near seem the remotest events of history! (Speak
of standing by the walls of old Middle- Age castles.) How recent
they seem, when we think of monuments of older times! (In
Egypt, tombs of time of Moses, colors on wall easily wiped off by
wetting the fingers, yet so well preserved.) That has been the
history of the world : its greatest period of time is measured,
spanned, by the perishable colors on a wall. Yet how much has
been done! It teaches, first, that man is but of yesterday, and
crushed before the moth, and checks vain pride. It shows, second,
how large a part of this time is embraced in each individual life.
It gives an importance to that and an incitement to labor. How
much can be done by a man who faithfully exerts himself for sev-
enty years !
" (Speak of cathedrals.) Dusky walls, oaken stalls, in choirs
where so many generations of monks have sat, the tombs where
they sleep in silence. Illuminated manuscripts, curious figures,
gay colors. . . . The faces seem to stare with wonder as you
loosen the brazen clasps, and open the curiously carved oaken cov-
ers that turn on hinges like the gates of a city. In the building
of that city some diligent monk spent the whole of a long life,
perhaps, and with what strange denizens he peopled it. ...
Touching sight to see poor people go in, lay down their burdens,
and kneel to pray. (Egypt.) Especially interesting from its
connection with Jewish history. (Catholicism.) Relics of super-
stition. Beauty of ritual. Women weeping. Touching at times.
At other times revolting with its foolish ceremonies, and vices of
the clergy. Stronghold of Catholicism. Loosening till it falls.
. . . What other sects will use its means? What other hold
the spots hallowed by our Saviour's life? ... In travelling, let us
learn what is abiding. Genius consecrates spots, poetry, etc.,
but still more virtue. Kings go to visit spots where good men
have lived. ... In museum took up helmet of great man, and
moralized over it. ... Egypt. Confusion of objects in Europe
after being in the East. Two months on the Nile: how great the
contrast ! There the tumults do not penetrate. All is as it was
206 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
ages ago. . . . No din of the world breaks that charming quiet
there. Pyramids, obelisks, temples, tombs, all pass before you.
... At the time, the contact with people and every-day things
around possessed such a charm, that I thought it was this that
interested me most. But now that has died away by distance, and
the monuments speaks out eloquently in my memory; while the
fascinations of external life and experience seem only a gentle
accompaniment, even as the rustling of the soft wind through the
graceful palms only seemed as an assistant to the thought, or as a
gentle strain of music may aid the soul in prayer. Then I was
most taken up with novelties of my Arab boatmen shouting to
Allah in wild song as they toiled at the rope, the hoarse-voiced
camel-driver slowly leading his caravan along the shore, the grace-
ful Egyptian women lightly tripping up the bank with their heavy
water-jars on their heads, hiding their faces behind a fold in their
robes. In this I was engaged. But all the while great thoughts
were being spoken by those silent voices of the past. . . . Being
brought thus near to these monuments suggests the time when all
shall be contemporaries, when time shall be lost in eternity, and
the good of all generations and all quarters shall fellowship in sym-
pathy together.
" (Speak about the American in travelling. Want of freedom
abroad. Petty annoyances. Obsequiousness of lower classes bro-
ken by subjection. Contrast this with the New World. Old
World the workshop where materials were wrought. Here is the
theatre of action for them.) Quote Bancroft as saying, that ' our
land is not only the recipient of men of other countries, but
also of their ideas,' etc. Our religion from Palestine; our oldest
hymns snng in our churches from Italy, deserts of Arabia, and
banks of the Euphrates; arts from Greece; jurisprudence from
Rome; representative government from England; our children
begin their studies on basis of great ideas of Aristotle, Cicero,
Bacon, Shakspeare, Napoleon, Alexander, Luther, all give us
great lessons. . . . Old governments shaking. We tremble for
the responsibility of the new, when we hear the cry of 'Land.'
We know our country's faults, her unjust policy, her disgraceful
acts, which have sometimes made us blush for shame. . . . But
our doubts give way to faith and hope. I seem to see the leadings
of Providence in all history. I must believe a great future is
before us, and a high mission, and shall go to work in my own
HOME AGAIN. 207
sphere to advance the cause of truth. As I sit and watch the
great ocean spread around me, back in the distance faintly comes
to me the song of the Arab mother quieting her little ones in the
coarse mud hut beneath the groves of palms, in sight of the mighty
relics of the former race, whose mission has been accomplished,
the sum of whose thoughts and deeds has entered into the prop-
erty of universal humanity, and the theatre of whose action rests
now still and peaceful under the clear sky. From Judaea's plains
I have vision of Arabs with rude weapons guarding their flocks,
unconscious of the great deeds once enacted there. What a future
have we to anticipate! The hand of God is in it, and the course
of civilization flows on with contributions from every stream."
His anxieties about making a wise decision in regard to a
parish now begin. He is in some danger of being spoiled
by so much attention : but, as he himself modestly saj-s,
"the demand is very great, and the supply small ; so that
that there are places enough." He goes to Portland for a
daj- or two.
" Tuesday, June 19. We all went to Portland with a horse and
carryall, and had a very pleasant time. My decision in regard to
places of settlement becomes very perplexing: my friends incline
to Salem rather than Portland, just as my own preference is. A
letter from Ur. Walker to-night brings up to me the society at
Church Green pretty prominently into competition. I tremble
at the prospect before me."
He writes a letter to Portland, thanking them for their in-
vitation for him to preach there again, saying that he cannot
for a week decide whether he will go there and preach as a
candidate before the societ} r , or not.
He writes a letter to Salem, regretting that they have
called a meeting to give him a call, as he had told them he
was not prepared to say whether he would accept a call, or
not.
He writes another letter to Dr. Briggs of Salem, thanking
him for the cordial feeling he has manifested. In his journal
he says of Salem,
208 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
" There are some very fine women in the society. Some excel-
lent men. The feeling of loyalty to a pastor is strong. . . . There
does not appear to be any dissenting voice in regard to my call.
They do not seem to want great sermons, but good spiritual ones.
The people are charitably disposed towards the poor. ... I am
perplexed in deciding. I have to answer Portland. I feel quite
run down." . . .
"Worry, as we all know, wears upon the body more than
any amount of work. He writes to Portland.
" Went to Portland on Saturday in a hard rain. ... Tuesday.
Invited to examination at Exeter Academy. Professor Pierce was
there, and others from Cambridge. Went to the dinner at the
Swampscott, and was just going to sit down when the committee
from Portland called for me, offering me additional salary, and
urgent requests to go there. In the P.M. Mr. F came from
Salem. The two parties met here. The Portland people staid to
tea. In the morning the committee from Watertown arrived, with
offer of increase of salary. It was painful to me to seem cold
towards such kind advances. ... I felt worn out on Tuesday."
Strange if he should not be worn out ! He writes now to
Salem, and says he is not quite prepared to give a decided
answer. . . . The journal now is filled with letters for several
pages, so careful is he to know his ground, to avoid all
misunderstandings, to acknowledge courtesies, and do noth-
ing in haste. He writes a letter to his future brother-in-law,
Dr. E. B. Peirson, in answer to a ver} r cordial one from
him, offering him his sympathy and assistance. He receives
letters from other gentlemen : he at length accepts the call
to Salem, and writes immediately to the Portland committee,
expressing regret that he must decline the call, and espe-
cially that he should lose the pleasure of working side by
side with his classmate, S . He writes, in acknowledg-
ment of letters, to various persons in Salem, thanking them
for cordial words, and renewing in some cases old friend-
ships. He writes another letter to a gentleman, whose par-
HOME AGAIN. 209
ish does not seem to be indicated, hoping they are not disap-
pointed at his decision.
"Sunday. Preached in Exeter. The house was filled; and
many came through friendship for me, and heard for the first time
a Unitarian discourse. The reception was gratifying Wednes-
day. Went to Salem. ... Thursday. Returned Wrote to
Mr. Weiss, asking him to give the address to the people. To Mr.
A. P. Peabody, asking him to preach the sermon. Wrote to Mr.
O. B. Frothingham, urging him to take some prominent part in
the exercises of the occasion, and thanking him for the kindness
with which he had used his influence in my favor." . . .
Here follows a letter to a brother minister, expressing the
cordial wish that he might look favorably upon the parish in
Exeter, where there was a unanimous feeling in his favor.
He tells his friend how deeply interested he is in this parish
of his native town ; and, although the salary was not large,
the cheapness of living was an offset to it ; and the town
presented rnanj' attractions, and a field for wide influence.
This letter seems to us of sufficient importance to be quoted
here, at least in some of its parts ; for it bears upon the in-
terests of a society which still exists, and presents the same
peculiar claims upon our attention and support.
..." The position which you would hold here is not so far
inferior to that in some of the other pulpits as would at first
appear. In the first place, Exeter, though a small town, is the
shire-town of the county, and is looked upon by the towns around,
not as a place of trade to be sure, but as a centre of influence and
culture. The lawyers are here, the public men are here, the means
of education are here. . . . No one who has not lived here would
be likely to realize how high a position it holds abroad. I hardly
go anywhere without finding some one who looks back to Exeter
as the scene of some of his happiest and most profitable years.
This is owing to the academy, at which so many men of distinction
have been educated. They all regard the place with the greatest
interest. . . . But the only ground, after all, on which I would
undertake to base the claims of this society, is the opportunity it
210 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
offers of great and easy influence for good. The number of mem-
bers at present is small; but those few are, I believe, earnestly
waiting for an opportunity to respond to the call of an earnest and
devoted pastor. . . . There never was a more favorable time than
now. Usually in Exeter there has been a strong religious interest
in all societies. I don't know where you would have found a more
devoted church-going community. But, just now, all the societies
are broken up or languishing. ... I do not have enough of the
sectarian spirit to rejoice over the weakness of other denomina-
tions, or to seek to live out of their decay. But it seems to me
clear, from all the indications, that the people are craving some-
thing different ; and I believe Unitarianism will satisfy them : and
those old societies themselves will get new life from the spirit of a
new, living church by their side. I must speak of one element
further. I lay the greatest stress upon it; and, it may be, I value
it more than it deserves. I mean the academy. About one-half
its students already go to Unitarian churches. The hope of inter-
esting them would be a great inducement in coming here. . . .
Many young men of great promise are here, and from them the
men are to come who will fill our pulpits. . . . After hearing so
many men speak to me of Exeter as the place where, in a great
measure, their habits and opinions were formed, I can't help
making great account of this opportunity, in judging of the position
of a minister settled here "...
We have looked through his papers, hoping to find some
journal narrating the events which led to the separation of
this Unitarian Society from the old church, but have dis-
covered nothing. His parents were members of the ven-
erable Dr. Parker's society (Unitarian) in Portsmouth, and
would always have remained so if they had continued to
live there; but, on their removal to Exeter, they found
no church of their faith there. They were thoroughly
church-going in their habits ; they needed religious train-
ing for their children ; they wished to create in them a
love and respect for public worship, and so they put
aside their doctrinal differences, and connected themselves
with the Upper Orthodox Society, under the ministry of Rev.
John Kurd. There is no reason to believe that the society
HOME AGAIN. 211
at that period was not sufficiently liberal for the times, and
it was made up of many of the most sterling people in the
place. But, about the time when the above letter was writ-
ten, there came up one of those vexing questions in regard
to ministerial exchanges, which have troubled so many
churches since. There was a right and a left wing in the
denomination, but the lines were not then distinctly drawn ;
so that a considerable variety of opinion was heard in an
Orthodox pulpit. But heresy now was thought to be in the
air ; the timid and over-Calvinistic took the alarm ; the New
Lights became irritated because their men were excluded from
the pulpit ; and, although there were probaoly calm and
reasonable thinkers on both sides, who would have been
glad to bring about a reconciliation, before they knew it the
separation had taken place. Harsh words were, of course,
spoken by both parties ; and for a while that pleasant com-
munity was somewhat disturbed by sectarian irritabilities
and jealousies. Such a state of things could not, however,
last long, in a circle of people who were like one family in
their social affections. The parents went over to the Uni-
tarian Society because they were more in sj-mpathy with its
doctrines : but the father loved often to get into his old place
in the other church, where he saw so many of his earlier
friends ; and he paid his pew-tax in both churches. The
widow of the senior Orthodox pastor, who outlived this agita-
tion, was soon on her errands of love, going from one house to
another as of old, without regard to creed ; and her generous
hospitality was extended to all alike until she reached a good
old age. Such was the community which the young minis-
ter is now trying to persuade a valuable man to come to as
pastor.
In closing a letter to Salem, he says,
" In this invitation from the society, I understand more than a
request that I should come and work among them. It implies
a willingness to sympathize with me in my work, and to share
212 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
with me in every obligation. So we pledge ourselves, therefore, to
mutual effort in the service of Christ. In the union that shall be
formed, let us feel that pastor and people are alike responsible
for its success, and let us earnestly pray that it may be blessed to
us both."
"Monday. Opened my box of books. . . . Saturday. Went
again to Salem. Found the ladies had furnished my room ele-
gantly. . . . Went to be measured for a gown."
We close this chapter of the wanderer's return, his cordial
greetings, high hopes, tremblings of heart, indecision, and
shall soon see him delivered from the anxiety of a candi-
date's life.
CHAPTER XXIII.
SALEM.
1855-56.
New Friends. Mrs. M. W. Poote. Hospitalities. First Ser-
mon. Work. Letter to Mr. O. B. Frothingham. Interested
Hearers. Lectures on Palestine. Greek Class. Visit of
Consolation. German Reading. Stormy Sundays. Sermon
on Access to God. Sermon on "The Authority of Christ."
WE begin now another period of the minister's life.
The excitement and suspense, the perplexity of
deciding, all is over. He has made his choice, and every
thing looks bright and promising. "We take up his journal
again.
" Thursday morning, Sept. 27. In my own beautiful room. . . .
I am not very well, and particularly troubled by a sore throat since
preaching Sunday. My room is decked with beautiful flowers.
Certainly no one ever entered on duties with brighter encourage-
ment, or sustained by warmer sympathy, than I do now. May I
truly be faithful to myself and to my great work !
" Friday evening. The exercises yesterday must have satisfied
every one. Every thing in the church passed off admirably."
We cannot refrain here, at the beginning of his ministry in
Salem, from mentioning the name of a lady deeply interested
in the welfare of the church and society, and his devoted
friend through life. We refer to Mary Wilder Foote, daugh-
ter of the late Judge White of Salem, and wife of the Hon.
Caleb Foote, then editor of "The Salem Gazette," and
214 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
mother of Rev. H. W. Foote of King's Chapel, Boston.
Her powers of conversation were rare ; and her profound
religious nature, fine literary discrimination, and knowledge
of character, her sensibility to the beautiful in music and
poetry, and, above all, her capacity for friendship, made her
one of the most striking personalities in the atmosphere of
the church at that period in Salem. We have had the good
fortune to obtain from her friends a few little extracts from
her journal written at this time ; but, from their brevity, it is
evident that her service to her minister was in deeds, not
words.
"July 26, 1855. Bright and early came Mr. Lowe to take my
letter to Exeter, and he spent an hour with me. I was delighted
with his fresh spirit, so free from egotism, so frank, and yet so
discreet.
" Sept. 30, Sunday. A pleasant day, and we went to church
for the first time to listen to our new young minister. The church
was crowded, and his appearance at once enlisted our sympathies.
He looked pale and reverent, not embarrassed by his singularly
new and strange position, but deeply touched. He prayed, ' If
there be an immortal glow of aspiration in our feelings and ser-
vices to-day, do Thou sanctify it, and make it the habitual temper
of our souls.' His text was, 'And I, brethren, when I came
to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declar-
ing unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to
know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trem-
bling.' All his services were sweet, plaintive, tranquillizing."
" Sunday. Pleasant day, and the house veiy full. All went off
as well as could be expected. Monday. Made calls. ...
Thursday. Took tea at Mrs. F 's. Made many calls. In the
evening received calls from sixteen families. Sunday, Oct. 7.
Pleasant day. Fine congregation. Preached sermon on Faith,
and administered the communion. Preached at Mr. Clapp's to
a good congregation. Received calls in the evening. Monday,
Oct. 8. Much fatigued from yesterday's preaching. Unfit for
every thing."
SALEM. 215
How could we expect it would have been otherwise ? Two
sermons, the communion service, and visitors in the evening,
besides a round of call-making all the week previous ! Yet
we cannot blame people or pastor. Here was a fine society
of cultured and religious people who had been accustomed
to having two sermons from their minister. He must give
them, or exchange with some other minister in the afternoon,
which was essentially the same thing, so far as voice and
lungs were concerned. They were probably conscientious
in feeling that a change of custom would injure their society.
And then, they loved their young minister, and wanted to
see him at their houses and in his own "pleasant rooms,"
as he called them, which they had fitted up for him. How
natural it all was ! How could we blame them ? Yet if
they had measured the contour of the young man, observed
more closely the quick, nervous step, the kindling eye, the
slight frame, they would have seen that he was expending
more vital force than he was gaining each day, and they would
have broken down old customs, and sacrificed their social
inclinations. Some of them did watch with an anxious eye,
but they could not do much, when the young minister himself
was bent on la}"ing out ever}" atom of strength he had for
them. We cannot blame him either. His heart and soul
were in his work, and he went eagerly into the service for God
and man. But we know he also made mistakes, when he jots
down this item : " Made twentj*-two calls to-day." "We say
"Wrong, moralty wrong." This was not necessary. It
is the habit of youth to crowd all labor into one interval, and
"get it done with," with the fancied idea that there will
then be leisure. Not so with Nature. She is always doing,
never done ; but she always enjoys, and produces steady
results. We have heard of a remark of the Rev. Dr. E
(Unitarian), that he never let a day go by without making
one visit among his people. That, independent of other
reasons, explains why his large societj- held itself so intact
for long 3*ears, and, what is even better, why he has pre-
served himself to a ripe old age.
216 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
" Went to dine at the K 'a. Delightful place. Every thing
made me enjoy it very much. Evening-calls [twenty-six in num-
ber]. . . . Books came from Germany. Went to dine at B , a
beautiful place, with Mrs. S . Made calls. Received calls in
the evening [fourteen persons]. Went to Exeter to help celebrate
Miss E 's [Aunt Peggie's] eighty-third birthday; and, though
very tired, I enjoyed it. Wednesday, Oct. 31. Wrote following
letter to Rev. O. B. Frothingham of Jersey City: "
"I have been very remiss in not having earlier acknowledged
the receipt of the list, which you kindly sent me, of the members
of our society. I won't delay any longer to thank you, and to
extend to you a greeting, which would be indeed a full one if I
were commissioned to unite with my own the earnest good wishes
of all those who (I have every day occasion to see) hold you in
unbounded affection and regard. I have nearly finished my round
cf calling, and so feel myself quite settled. The people, without
exception, have received me kindly. I could not expect that they
would at once let a new pastor take the place altogether of one
they had loved so long; but they begin now to realize that the one
need not supplant the other, and that there may be in their affec-
tions room enough for both.
" I find every thing thus far as pleasant as I could have hoped.
I trust that you, on your part, will not lose your interest in your
old society, and will for their sake extend it to me. We do not, I
presume, agree in many of our opinions, and I shall probably say
many things of which you would not approve; but, unless I am
much deceived, I shall not thus forfeit your esteem. Every ear-
nest man pardons another's earnestness.
" For my own part, I do honor the man who is true to his convic-
tions; and I do not think any mere difference of opinion could
prevent my affection for a true and devoted man. And while
conscious to myself of entire freedom from unworthy motives, and
of my own tender consideration and regard for all (whatever their
belief) who sincerely and earnestly believe, I shall take it for
granted that others are going to be just as charitable towards me;
and I shall speak candidly, and as strongly as I can, my own con-
victions of the truth."
Mr. Frothingham writes, "Though he was my successor
in Salem, I saw him but seldom, owing to my residence in
SALEM. 217
another city, and our different attitude towards ecclesiasti-
cal matters ; but I never ceased to honor him as a conspicu-
ous example of ' the right man in the right place,' as secretary
of the Unitarian Association. The union in him of firmness
of judgment with sweetness of temper was remarkable."
" Wednesday evening. Meeting of the four (Unitarian) minis-
ters at Mr. C 's, the first of a series to be continued through
the winter. Nov. 2. Have about finished my calls, but find
writing almost impossible. I can't bring myself to it. If I hadn't
sermons on hand, I don't know what I should do. My time is still
hardly my own."
We must remember, that, if the minister's time was
" hardly his own," it only shows the praiseworthy church-
feeling of this society, the importance of religious matters
to them, their great hospitality, and interest in their minister,
and their earnestness and generosity in philanthropic work.
No society probably ever cultivated more social life among
its members, or was more generous towards the poor and
unfortunate.
" I have called these few days past on several lone women, some
of whom have met recent affliction ; and, really, I feel that the con-
dition of lone women is most deplorable, especially if they are in
circumstances where they are not made to have some active em-
ployment. But I saw one woman to-day, without any near rela-
tives ; and there she lives each day with absolutely nothing to do
but to sit and think, and try to enjoy breakfast and dinner, and
muse and pine. Another in recent affliction from loss of husband.
She has no employment to occupy her mind, and so the grief re-
mains fresh. I feel more and more the need of letting women,
like men, have some active exercise for their minds, to be a resource
at such times. Saturday, Nov. 3. Down with Mr. O to see
the surf coming in gloriously on Devereaux's Beach. Sunday,
Nov. 4. Preached on 'The Nature of the Communion Service,'
and administered the communion. . . . Sunday, Nov. 25, 1855.
Preached a sermon which seems to have given much satisfaction,
and produced some effect. In P.M., No. 1 of my lectures on Pales-
tine. Monday. Had calls ah 1 day, and in the evening till ten
218 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
o'clock. I find on all sides that my Sunday-morning sermon pro-
duced a great impression, surprising to me as well as gratifying."
We should like to k'now what sermon this was that seemed
to give so much satisfaction. It may not have been superior
to many others that we find, written not far from this time.
From some reason, drawn from the character of his audience,
or from the nature of the times, it hit the feeling of the peo-
ple. We cannot find the sermon ; but what was meant for
them might not, perhaps, be for us.
We have by us the sermons which appear to have been
written while he was in Salem ; also his lectures on Pales-
tine. These were probably given in the afternoon and even-
ing. They are nine in number, and are prepared with as
much care as any morning sermon, but were probably writ-
ten with less strain upon his intellectual faculties, and better
suited to a second service. Some of them have pointed
texts from Scripture, and others have none. The first and
second lectures are principally taken up with the scenery
and localities of the East, and intended to bring the hearer
into a right frame of expectation for what was to come the
next Sunday, when they fairly enter the Promised Land.
The third and fourth are occupied with Jerusalem, the sacred
city ; and his spirit glows with the picture he sets before the
hearer, as he "marks well her bulwarks," and then remem-
bers how " one stone" should " not be left upon another."
The fifth and sixth lectures carry him through Samaria ; and
he sits by the well of Jacob, where Jesus talked with the
woman ; and he pictures this scene : Mount Gerizim and
Mount Ebal, the footsteps of Jacob and Samuel, Sychar in
the distance, the sublime conversation of Jesus in that beau-
tiful spot ; and then moves on to Galilee, picturing the
plains of Esdraelon, Mount Carmel, Gideon and his hosts,
and Elijah. The seventh lecture brings us to Nazareth,
where he dwells fondly upon this little village, the lovely
scenery around, and the sweet associations with the simple
SALEM. 219
home of Him who " spake as never man spake." The two
concluding lectures touch upon the Sea of Galilee and other
points of interest, drawing a graphic picture of Damascus,
its antiquity and Oriental beaut} T , making some serious re-
flections in regard to the small importance of all these oppor-
tunities of travel if one has not the mind of Christ within
him, and closing with a quotation from Whittier's beautiful
poem :
" Oh! what though our feet may not tread where He trod,
Nor our ears hear the dashing of Galilee's flood,
Yet loved of the Father, Thy spirit is near
To the meek and the lowly and penitent here."
" Wednesday, 28. Beautiful day. Went home Thursday.
Thanksgiving. Friday, instead of going to New Bedford, was
kept at home by a cold. Saturday. Came back to Salem no
better. Dr. P gave me quinine, and got so I could preach in
the morning, but omitted afternoon service. Monday, Dec. 3.
Went to Boston, and dined with Mr. Peabody. Tuesday, Dec. 4.
Had calls all the morning, and took tea at Mr. 's. Not yet
quite well Friday. Dined at Mr. 's. Wednesday, 12. In
P.M. our Greek class met for first time. Rev. Messrs. M , H ,
D , L , and Messrs. C and C , reading ' Prometheus.'
Had a fine time. Dec. 13. Splendid party at Mr. G. F 's.
Dec. 14. Yesterday and to-day I visited Mr. and Mrs. A
under very trying circumstances. Their little child, fifteen months
old, the very image of health, died after a few hours' illness of
croup. I derived much satisfaction from my visit, and was made
to feel anew the value of Christian consolations Tuesday. New-
Year's reception at Mrs. N. S 's ... Wednesday. No
sermon-writing done. I tremble at the thought of it. I seem to
have neither ideas nor power of expression. . . . Wrote some
rhym.es to Mrs. R [travelling-friend] in response to a New- Year's
present of a Lebanon cap [remodelled gayly out of an old cap he
wore in the East]. . . . Sunday, Jan. 6. Severe snow-storm.
Mr. L sent to me early, advising not to open the church ; but
I thought it best to go. I found Dr. T and S. H and G.
W . Decided not to ring the bell. There was no service any-
220 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
where in the city, mornihg or afternoon. . . . Greek class at Mr.
C 'a, and in evening a German reading at Dr. C 's. Very
pleasant. Saturday. Busy with sermon. Anticipating a hard day
to-morrow, having, besides the two regular services, to preach in
the evening at the First Church. Sunday, Jan. 13. A fatality
seems to attend one Sundays. To-day it has been so stormy, that,
in the morning, only a very few were present; and all counselled
closing the church for the P.M. So, instead of three services, I had
only one."
He had one attentive listener that stormy morning, at
least. We find this little record in Mrs. Foote's journal :
*' Sunday, Jan. 13. I like our dear young minister. He is sim-
ple, earnest, and his teachings fall like dew. My Sundays are
tranquil and blest, and I think many gratefully feel them so."
" Tuesday, 15. In the evening heard Theodore Parker at
Lyceum. A fine lecture on the dignity of labor. Sunday, 20.
Pleasant weather, and good congregation. Monday. Began ser-
mon on * Access to God.' "
Speaking in this sermon of the natural instinct of all men
in sorrow or danger to pray, and yet of men's practical scep-
ticism in regard to help from God, he says,
" Would to Heaven, my friends, we were as ready to seek God's
help as he is to grant it! There is a strange reluctance in the
human heart, and always has been, to seek help from God, and to
appreciate the reality of his presence and care, in spite of our nat-
ural instinctive prompting to it. ... It may be asked, What is
the nature and mode of the spiritual life which God gives us ?
Many perhaps may think it strange that they have never been
conssious of any direct influence upon themselves. Undoubtedly,
I would reply, the spiritual influences do come usually unperceived,
and cannot be distinguished from the natural operations of the
mind. But the same is true of the divine agency in outward
things. ... It may be asked how we should explain those passages
which say we cannot believe in Jesus except the Father draw us.
How does God draw us ? The answer is plain. Suppose that by
argument I convince one who holds a different opinion from my
SALEM. 221
own, and induce him to change to my side. I may be said to
draw him. But how ? Not by physical force, not by mere pas-
sivity or indifference on his part. He seizes hold on the arguments
I offer, and, revolving them, decides of his own free choice that
they are sufficient, and that he will come over to my side. Pre-
cisely thus does God draw us. He has surrounded us by tokens
of his love and care. . . . He is acting upon our souls, and draw-
ing us ; but it is for us to say whether we will suffer ourselves to
be drawn, or not. We may 'quench the Spirit.' "
We have quoted a little of this sermon, because we like to
follow the process of his mind as far as we can judge by the
date of his sermons. This sermon is a fair average one,
not written with so much labor, probably, as some which
abound in carefully prepared quotations from men and books,
and apt illustrations. But we are struck with the positive
ground on which he always stands. There are a few points
which he intends to enforce, and he keeps close to them.
There is no uncertain ring, no confusion or distraction of
thought. Although he does not have any thirdly or fourthly
and fifthly, his sermons have a beginning, middle, and end.
As we have said before, he was somewhat deficient in im-
agination. But he had an artist's eye for form (as seen in
his taste for drawing) ; and, no matter how simple his ser-
mon might be, it was alwaj's shaped so as to command
the attention, carry the mind along, and never was long
enough to wear}* the audience. One sentence in this sermon,
as our eye first glanced over the pages, made us feel with a
sigh that his discourses might be already growing obsolete.
In arguing for a recognition of the divine agenc}" in spiritual
things, he begins by saying, " Who [really] doubts that there
is a Providence which regulates the [outward] events of .the
world? At that period there were probably few, if an}',
persons in a refined and cultivated audience who doubted the
being and Providence of God in the world, even though they
might practically ignore it. But what can we say now?"
He was always hopeful, however. If he had lived to see
222 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
the growing tendency of intellectual materialism, he would
have believed that it must work out its own cure in time.
" Sunday. Good congregation. . . . Six persons remained at
the communion for the first time. It made it particularly interest-
ing. Oh that I may be faithful to all the opportunities of useful-
ness which I enjoy! . . . Monday, Feb. 11. Quite used up by
yesterday's labors, and almost sick. Had calls from a good many,
of considerable length. Made calls. So the day has gone, and I
have an invitation to a party in the evening. Finally decided that
I ought not to go. All these distracting influences are brought to
bear upon me. How careful must I be that they do not prey in
upon what more immediately belongs to my work as a Christian
minister. . . .
" Sunday, Feb. 17. Preached at home all day. In A M. on
'Be not conformed to this world,' etc. p M. stormy. Lecture on
Samaria. Sunday, Feb. 24. Had a good ride in exchange with
Mr. Shackford at Lynn. Monday. It is, perhaps, well enough
occasionally to give a complete outline of a day's doings. To-day
is one without any sermon-writing, however. Rose at 6, reading
half-hour before breakfast. Was settling down to German after
breakfast, when came in, and staid an hour, talking over his
troubles partly, and obliging me to give him, in way of hints, some
unpalatable advice. Before he went, came a subscription-paper
for Gajani's lecture on ' Siege of Rome.' I must do something
about it if possible. Went to see Mr. L on church-matters.
Met Mr. C , who returned with me. Called afterwards on
Mrs. B . Returned at twelve o'clock. Began to read a review.
Ladies came in, and made a call. After dinner, review again till
three. Call from other ladies, who told me of a Miss B , who
is sick. Went to see her. Then to reading-room, and to walk.
... Sunday, March 2. Another Sunday-storm. Preached in
the A.M. on ' The Authority of Christ.' Think I will preach this
sermon some time again. . . . Mr. L says several are so much
interested in my morning sermon as to wish to have it published
or repeated."
We find this sermon, but cannot say it impresses us as it
did these people. But it answered the feeling of the hour.
It is the reply of a reverent young man to the so-called
SALEM. 223
radical views of Christ and Christianity, and seems to us
crude. We agree with him mainly in his position in regard
to the divine nature of Jesus,' and the realit}- of his super-
natural power ; because we believe in more of the divine in
man, rather than less: and Jesus is the head man, the crown-
ing t}*pe, the Son always with the Father. We believe in
more miracles rather than less ; that is, in the power of spirit
to transcend matter. But when the young preacher opposes
those who say the teachings of Jesus are not to be taken
implicit!}", but are to be tried by the powers of our individual
reason, he makes a weak point in his argument, and shows
that he had not }*et quite got beyond the old method of tak-
ing some things on trust. What but our highest moral reason
could really convince us that Jesus is divine, or that the peo-
ple, or churches, or the Bible that tells us so, speak truly?
The two parties, radical and conservative, which were then
springing into being in our churches, were very apt to over-
shoot their mark in the heat of the argument. This age sees
them fused into more harmon}*. The excrescences are fall-
ing away. Extremes of bigotry, or destructiveness, are re-
treating into their own places, to leave a broad middle ground
of faith and progress in our church. May we not say that
this j'oung man's future life, though short, is going to help
build up this common highway of faith for the nation?
CHAPTER XXIV.
NEW DUTIES.
1856.
Sunday School. Consolation to the Afflicted. Sermon on
"Greater Things than these shall ye do," etc. Visit to
Keene. Kansas Atrocities. Charles Sumner. Extempo-
raneous Speaking. Political Sermon.
"TpRESH spheres of activity were now opening to the
_JJ pastor. He was ardent and eager for the work. The
only drawback seemed to be his bodily health ; but we will
not borrow trouble before our time. We quote again from
his journal :
" Friday, March 14. Meeting for starting Sunday school.
Twenty-seven persons came. The interest shown was very gratify-
ing. . . . The Sunday school was organized after the P.M. service,
and the attendance was extremely gratifying. More volunteered
as teachers than were needed. The utmost good feeling and cor-
diality seems to prevail in regard to it. I cannot help feeling
thankful that this Sunday, of all the Sundays of the year, was a
pleasant one; and every thing about it has been highly gratifying
to me. ... Saturday, March 22. I am not very strong, I find,
and am easily fatigued. I must take some means of invigorating
myself. Evening. Reading The Merchant of Venice ' at Miss
L 's. I read Shylock. ... Wednesday, April 16, News
came to Mrs. O of a terrible accident on the railroad. ...
Saturday, April 17. This week has been of value to me in the
experience of sympathy with her in her sorrow on account of her
sister, and in seeing the power of Christian faith. In the inter-
NEW DUTIES. 225
change of feeling with her, I have found the true enjoyment of the
office of the Christian minister, without the anxious feeling with
which I usually go to the bereaved. ... Thursday, May 8.
Have spent much time in calling. Am trying to wipe my list clear
for the second time."
We see here, that, in about seven months after he is settled,
he is trying to get round a large parish for the second time.
"It is very gratifying to believe that I have won confidence. I
am notified that I am chosen a director of the Sunday-school society.
. . . Heard Mr. Everett on Washington. May 18. A pleasant
Sunday. I am conscious of having preached, perhaps, better than
ever before. Certainly I was more animated. It was owing to
Mr. Everett's inspiration. I am sure, that, if I had said the same
things without having so recently heard him, I should have been
far less effective. How much depends on the delivery of what is
written ! And yet I went into the pulpit this morning excessively
weak and tired, and would hardly have believed I could have gone
through what I have."
His Sunday's impetus held out so well, that we find him
writing some verses in a young lady's album Monday, which
the public will not care to see. The next day the spring
was all out of him : he was limp and weary.
" May 20, 1856. My Sunday's preaching was followed by com-
plete physical exhaustion; and, even to-day, I am not strong as
before. I am expecting to go to Keene with Mrs. P , Miss
H. P , and Mrs. F ." . . .
While he is gone to Keene, we will turn back, and see
what this sermon was that he himself thought he preached so
well. The old adage, " Self-praise goes but little ways," is
true to a great extent ; but, when a modest person of clear
instincts thinks he has written or said something well, he is
likely to be in the right. We have, moreover, the testimony
of the same dear friend, Mrs. Foote, whose fragments are
scanty, and yet so precious to us. We quote from her
journal :
226 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
" Monday, May 18. A most stirring sermon from our minister,
on ' Greater things than these shall ye do, because I go to the Fa-
ther.' It was the best sermon he has ever preached. In the after-
noon he gave the last of his Palestine lectures. It was beautiful,
and the tone of thought at the close riveted attention. I cannot
tell how touching and beautiful these words sounded as they came
from his lips. The whole congregation was affected by them. I
think he continually comes nearer to his people in public, and they
look at him with more and more sympathy and love." . . .
We find the sermon, and observe that he preached it a
good man}- times during the next two years, which seems to
show that it found favor with other audiences.
He draws a picture of the scene when the words of his
text were uttered, the unbounded confidence of the disciples
at this last hour in the great power of Jesus, their dejection
at the thought of his departure, and their own utter helpless-
ness without him, and then speaks of the thrilling effect of
such words as these coming upon their gloom, when Jesus,
seeing their depression, exclaimed in animating tones, "Ye
yourselves shall do greater works than these." . . . Jesus
not only spoke to his near disciples, but said also, " He that
believeth on me shall do greater works than these."
..." Let me ask you to consider in a very few words how we
are to get at these latent powers. Three things seem necessary in
order to bring them out, and to make them serve their fullest use.
" 1. There needs to be an adequate motive. This is sufficiently
illustrated in the case of the mother. . . .
"2. The next requisite is, that the energies must be properly
directed, in order that they may subserve their fullest use.
"3. The other requisite is, that a man have confidence in his
powers, and faith in his pursuit. This is the point which the text
leads us especially to notice. It is a truth which can hardly be
presented too strongly; and, if we turn to history, we find it abun-
dantly, and sometimes sublimely, illustrated, that a man or a
nation is mighty in work, just in proportion as he or it be-
lieves." .
NEW DUTIES. 227
He then bids the hearers look along the centuries, and
mark the gifts which men have wasted, the opportunities by
which the}' could have changed the earth into a heaven. He
draws also a picture of those who, by grinding want, are
prevented from expanding their powers, and quotes some
lines :
" But Knowledge to their eyes her ample page
Rich with the spoils of time did ne'er unroll;
Chill penury repressed their noble rage,
And froze the genial current of the soul."
He turns, and brings this question directly home to his own
people, asking them to pardon him if he shall come very near
to some among them. He refers to the fact that there are
many in their midst of rare qualities and attainments and
accomplishments, who have not the spur of necessity to
stimulate them, and asks if day after day does not pass with
an inadequate use of their powers. When he thinks of the
solemn responsibility for the use of large abilities and ac-
quirements, it takes from his pleasure, he sa3 r s, in their social
circles, from the high gratification which accomplishments
afford; and he longs for some voice to say, "Young men
and young women, you can do greater things than these."
He begins now to tell them what they can do.
' ' In every household circle are opportunities of beneficence so
wide and ample, that some will not care to look beyond. In the
unambitious routine of humble duties the careful seeker will find
many an occasion of generous action, such as will give a zest to
life, occasions which the careless liver may pass unnoticed by.
But there are wider spheres besides. Look at the depths of misery
which lie everywhere around, at the wretchedness of poverty, the
nurseries of vice which flourish and send out their pestilent vapors
in our midst. There are others who like better the more public
arena of political life. For them what calls there are, what oppor-
tunities, and what solemn obligations! What social problems
there are to solve! What questions affecting our political rela-
tions, questions on the proper adjustment of which our national
228 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
welfare and the progress of freedom and truth depend ! For others,
again, are those deeper questions pertaining to the spiritual life,
mysteries of our eternal destiny, after the solution of which hu-
manity yearns. Over these hangs the promise, ' Seek, and ye
shall find ; ' and the divine repository of wisdom is ready to be un-
locked, and yield its treasures to him who has faith enough to seek.
In all this broad range, who is there that cannot find somewhere
work that is congenial and suited to himself ? ' '
He presses the truth home to his people again :
"Oh! when I think of the wealth and culture and influence
which you possess, and the use you make of it, does it not seem as
though the text came with peculiar emphasis, ' If ye believe, ye
can do greater things than these ' ? This wealth might make pov-
erty and wretchedness vanish, and let sunshine into the dark
abodes of misery. This culture, if not hid under a bushel, might
soften the asperities of the ruder class, arid refine and dignify
society. . . . We need faith in our own capacities. Let us strive,
my friends, to nourish and increase this faith, and always remem-
ber, so long as there is sorrow to relieve, or sin to conquer, there
is work for us to do ; and while we are obedient to Christ's stimu-
lating appeal, ' Ye shall do greater things than these,' may we
be enabled to merit at last the praise, I can conceive of no
higher commendation, ' He has done what he could.' "
This sermon, of which we have only given fragments,
represents very fairly the moral earnestness which pervaded
his appeals, and the power he had of making preaching a
personal affair between him and his people. May we not
believe that the benevolence, so noteworthy in Salem, got
some of its increasing stimulus from the young man in that
pulpit ? It is interesting to see how his brother ministers in
Salem felt about him, although we must make allowance for
the undue praises of affection. The late Dr. Thomson of
Jamaica Plain, formerly of the Barton- square Society in
Salem, says, in a letter, "In his lifetime, all through it, he
was a sun for light and warmth to those who came within
his sphere; " and Dr. Briggs of Cambridgeport, then minis-
NEW DUTIES. 229
ter of the First Church of Salem, also adds, "Every one
must say the same thing about him, for there never was any
thing but love for him ; only we could none of us express the
full measure of our affection and respect."
We find him on his way to Keene, N.H., where he went
in company with Mrs. Foote and his friends in Dr. Peirson's
family.
" I staid at Rev. W. O. White's till Monday evening, having
had one of the most delightful visits I ever enjoyed. Riding and
driving in the midst of that beautiful scenery, and joining in the
charming society about us, was the height of happiness. I was
almost homesick at coming away. . . . Anniversary meetings the
past week. The horrible doings in Kansas have engrossed much
attention. Charles Sumner lies dangerously ill of his wound from
the ruffian. All are on fire. Dined at Dr. Gannett's. He spoke
very gloomily. He didn't know what else to do but to pray.
Human sagacity and human prudence seem powerless. Last night
I made a speech at the Sunday-school meeting. I had trembled
and dreaded it all day, and, for a long time before, had been
made uneasy by trying to reconcile it with my conscience to keep
aloof from any attempt to participate in such exercises. It has
been real suffering, and prevented my cordiality, and enjoyment of
things. Finally, near the end of the evening, I spoke, my speech
being prepared beforehand, though I found myself able to add a
little as I went on. I felt heartily glad to have broken the ice,
and am satisfied with this as a first attempt. I know it is good
for me. I have been greeted by many to-day with thanks and
praises."
This is encouraging to young ministers. He had tried to
resist this diffidence for a year or two, and said, at that
period, that it was his first instinct to run out of church
when he was to be called upon ; but he overcame this ner-
vousness so completely in after-life, that it was actual pleas-
ure to him to speak at conferences. He was helped along by
the fact, that he almost always had some practical work to
bring up. He rarely ever spoke on what might be called
abstract questions ; but he redeemed his speeches from the
230 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
dryness of mere business by the high plane on which he put
his subject, and the sympathetic, ardent manner in which he
sent it home to the listener.
"Looked in at the children's mission. Felt really a desire to
speak. . . . Saturday, May 31. Meeting of citizens on account
of the assault on Charles Sumner. ... I was asked to speak
among others. . . . All spoke well. My turn came at ten o'clock.
My first political speech. ... I am, this week, getting famously
into the (so-called) extemporaneous line.
" Sunday, June 1. The excitement of last evening is ringing in
my ears, and was hardly favorable to religious service, especially
at communion. Saturday, June 7. Have been occupied all the
week in writing my sermon on political duties. I anticipate pos-
sible ill will from some quarters, but believe it my duty to say all I
have prepared to say.
" Monday, June 9. Yesterday I preached my sermon to a pretty
full and very attentive audience. It seems to have given good
satisfaction. It is much spoken of to-day, and has suited all
except the ultra Free-Soilers, who think it not denunciatory enough
against slavery. On the whole, I have great reason to be satis-
fied."
Here, again, we have a scrap from the journal of his
enthusiastic friend, Mrs. Foote. She says,
" On Sunday, June 8, Mr. Lowe preached on the sins of the
nation; and he did it so wisely, tenderly, discriminately, that he
did not offend any. I never saw his manner so perfect, and I
enjoyed every word."
Never was a 3'oung minister more favored in the sphere of
work before him, the pi-omise of success, and the sympathy
and affection of his people, if the earthly tabernacle would
only give the spirit a chance to do what it most earnestly
desired.
CHAPTER XXV.
VACATION.
1856-1857.
Sermon on "The Sabbath." Letter of Mr. Pickman. Afflic-
tions in the Parish. Convention in Salem. Fremont Cam-
paign. Letter of Miss Saltonstall and Others. Death of
Dr. E. Peabody. Appropriate Sermon. Severe Cold on the
Lungs.
H
E runs off to Exeter in August, and from there to
Maine.
" Aug. 29. Went to Rumford and the lakes. Altogether our
excursion was very pleasant. Spent Sunday at Alpine House.
... Tuesday, Sept. 2. Returned to Salem. Grand mass-meet-
ing for Fremont. ... Sunday. Preached in Exeter. Had
many calls. Monday. Went shooting with W. G . Wednes-
day, Sept. 17. Returned to Salem. Day of the inauguration of
Franklin's statue in Boston. Thursday. Made calls on eight
families which have been bereaved. Sunday, 21st. I preached
my sermon on * The Sabbath.' It seemed good to be in my own
pulpit again, and the people appeared to listen with feeling and
interest."
Here we have a few lines from Mrs. Foote's journal, which
touch upon this sermon :
" Sunday, Sept. 21. I heard again our dear minister's voice
with gratitude. His services were very grateful to my feelings.
He preached upon ' The Sabbath.' He stripped it of all supersti-
tious claims to our reverence, only to invest it with the holiest
232 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
power over our best associations. Nobody could hear it with in-
difference."
" The people really appear to have an affection for me, and I
am sure I feel very differently when before them from what I do
when before any other society. I wish I could write enough ser-
mons, so as to be able to exchange less. They do not like to have
me away so much."
This sermon on Sunday, he makes opportune from the
fact, that they had been separated for a time, and this day
brought them together again, as it did through the year at
short intervals. He goes into the early history of the day,
and shows how it had no divine obligations upon us, because
the Jewish law ordained it on the seventh day of the week :
neither was the first day ever obligatory as a day of rest and
worship, because the early Christians appointed it on the
day of the resurrection ; for there was such a wide diversity
in their methods of observing it, so much latitude on the
part of the later churches in regard to the manner of keep-
ing the latter part of the day, that the Puritan austerity had
no other authority for its restrictions than the disgust of
the new commonwealth at the revelries and debaucheries
of the English people on Sunday afternoon.
He believed the value of Sunday lay in our own highest
wants, and that its value was inestimable. We must, how-
ever, recognize that there are no divine injunctions or pro-
hibitions in regard to the manner of keeping the day, and
each must use it for the best good of his body and soul.
He recognizes the different wants of the workingman, and
the man of business, culture, or leisure. Jesus showed the
widest liberality in Ms answers to questions about the sab-
bath.
The preacher then, with his usual boldness and practical
drift, asks how they are observing the day in their homes,
whether the day is only a relief from business and school,
and the children are reading the last novel, or whether dress-
VACATION. 233
ing for church is the only event? He urges them to make
the day pleasant, but quite different from other daj-s, the
mother free from care, the father genial and thoughtful, the
whole family drawn together by a sweeter harmony, and
nobler conversation. "Let the child," he says, "learn to
value it by making some little sacrifices to its sacred uses ;
and, when he is old enough to feel the want of its aid,
let him not have it against you as a reproach, that,
since his habits are fixed, he cannot get up this feeling of
reverence for the day." He goes on to speak about the
public duties connected with the church. He makes no
defence of social worship, because it needs none, but notices
the fact of the small attendance at church in cities, com-
pared with the olden days, and even with the country popu-
lations at present, which turn out so regularly at sound of
the bell. " These were the habits," he says, "fifty years
ago, of yourselves and your fathers." He says that he will
not claim that the custom of having services in the church
on Sunday is absolutel}' essential to the keeping of the day,
or that infallible men ordained it ; and we ought to be willing
to listen to reasons by which absence from church is ex-
cluded. He then goes over some of these reasons ; namery,
there is less need of preaching on account of the multipli-
city of books and the lecture-room. The absorbing char-
acter of secular duties makes the day necessary for recreation
and rest. Religious instruction can be got from the fields
and woods.
We will quote his answer to these objections, and the con-
clusion of his sermon :
" I will not say that there is not a great deal of weight in some,
at least, of these various apologies, or that they are not honestly
advanced. But I will ask whether those who use them are gen-
erally themselves illustrations of their force. Are those who
insist on the easy access of religious reading, the ones who are
most likely to employ the hours of absence from church in reli-
gious reading ? Are those who are most disposed to substitute the
234 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
teachings of Nature for those of the pulpit, the ones who are most
likely to look through Nature to Nature's God? Are not those
who insist on the possibility of being religious without going to
church very apt to confine themselves to the possibility without
making the possibility a fact ? . . .
" But let each one who sustains public worship feel that he has
a duty which he cannot set aside. People do not realize how much
the interest of a service depends upon those who attend. Nothing
except enthusiasm is more contagious than indifference; and it is
hardly possible that a religious exercise should be very effective,
if every one is feeling a chill from the vicinity of empty pews."
He would not wish to dictate to any one his duty in this
respect, but begs he will consider the harm his absence will
cause others ; speaks of the close connection of the church
and the true home, and closes with an allusion to an early
observance :
..." Among the beautiful reminiscences which gather around
the day, is one connected with its earliest observance. When the
early Christians met on Sunday morning, their customary saluta-
tation was, ' Christ is risen.' It is related, that, when any of them
had quarrels and differences with one another, this salutation was
a signal and a pledge that all was forgiven and forgotten. . . .
Let the words ' Christ is risen ' still be the language of our hearts
as this sacred day returns. And when, each Sunday morning, the
church-bells send forth their clear tones over hill and dale, let
them exclude every meaner sound. And let them shed all over
our land the holy harmony of rest and peace."
" Friday, Sept. 26. Yesterday I spent the day at Mr. P 's
in Beverly."
This was the beautiful residence of Mr. W. D. Pickman
at Beverly. Mr. Pickman says in a letter,
..." When he came to our church in Salem, he made at once
a pleasant impression on every one ; and this ripened, as we knew
him better, into the warmest regard and affection. The older
members who had known Mr. Abbot spoke of Mr. Lowe as being
'like him:' higher praise they could not give, as Mr. Abbot was
in their memories the perfect pastor and friend. But it was in
VACATION. 235
private intercourse that I remember Mr. Lowe best. He made
frequent visits in summer at our house in Beverly, where he was a
delightful guest, always genial, kind, and entertaining, but sturdy
in his opinions, even when obliged to differ from those around
him. Children were particularly fond of him, and I have never
known a clergyman who had the faculty to such an extent of win-
ning their love and respect at the same time. . . . There was a
simplicity and earnestness about him ; and that he fully believed
what he told us, and was himself striving to reach his own high
ideal, no one could doubt; while his youthful, pleasant face and
manner added to his charm as a preacher." . . .
" Oct. 9. Reception to George Peabody of London in Danvers.
Returned at six and a half, and heard of the death of Mrs. C.
P . Her parents, who left yesterday to go to her in Paris, will
hear the news in Halifax. I find those who are here in great
affliction, but bearing it beautifully. It seems from the ac-
counts to have been a sublime and blessed event. She appeared
truly angelic in purity, and to have been made perfect through
suffering. She died of typhoid fever. . . . Dr. Peirson was to be
married this morning in Keene, N.H. As I went to the door, and
looked out upon the lovely moonlight, and thought of the various
experiences of intense grief and of exuberant joy in one and
another, I felt unusually moved. The same bright moon is look-
ing down always on just such varying scenes. Life is full of them.
Sunday, Oct. 12. I made the service refer particularly to this
bereavement. It was trying and affecting for me, and fatiguing
in consequence. I have been much tried through the week in sym-
pathy for the afflicted. . . . The Sunday-school convention is going
to be here. Visited . There is something winning about him.
No one ever did him a kindness without his laying it up in his
heart. And now, on his death-bed, his eyes followed those around
him. His two great objects of interest were an organ and a grave-
yard. In London he walked through Spitalfields burying-ground
at midnight. He prays to himself, and sometimes tries to sing.
He barely lives; but all his motions indicate love, the feeling
chiefly vital now. ... Sunday, Oct. 26. Preached on the
Bible. Full church. Many from the Baptist society. Very busy
about convention Most of the work of the convention is pleasant ;
but some delicate duties are given me, because I am a minister, and
236 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
less likely to give offence. ... I have had to stand between two
contending choirs, and have had my first experience of the discord
of church musical performers. . . . Oct. 29. Pleasant day.
People came in crowds. Planning all day for them. Collation
went off admirably. Father and mother came. People open their
houses nobly. Fine sermon this evening from Mr. Ellis. Hall
filled to overflowing. All has gone .off well. ... I have had
much care, and yet I have written part of a sermon in the midst of
it with greater ease than if I had nothing but the sermon to think
of. It encourages me, and yet gives me uneasiness at the thought
of what I might do, and yet accomplish so little. I wish I could
be all the time under the pressure of some wholesome stimulus to
bring about a faithful use of my powers."
He falls into his old habit, a common one, of laying the
blame of mental inertia upon his mind and character, and
expecting the cure there, when it is very evident that obe-
dience to physical laws was the great remed3% The stir
of the convention, the running here and there, the breaking-
in upon ruts of living, the fresh air, all, it is plain to see,
had oxygenated his blood, so that his mind was elastic, and
could do double work, and better.
..." Sumner welcomed to Boston to-day. Fremont people
downcast. Fillmoreites seem very inconsistent: they try not to
believe the Kansas atrocities. ... Tuesday. I cast my first
vote. It was pleasant to see all day such good-humor at the polls.
I went and read to Mrs. N , at her request, my sermon this
morning. Mr. N speaks in the most extravagant terms of the
satisfaction it has given him in his affliction. He urges me to have
it printed. Mr. L speaks of it as a remarkable sermon. I
shall not have it printed. . . . Mr. Peabody of King's Chapel is
very sick."
Surely no young minister had more encouraging words
of sympathy and approval than were given in this parish.
A friend in Salem, the late Miss Caroline Saltonstall,
writes,
" From the time Mr. Lowe came to us, to the ever-regretted
hour of his departure, there was nothing to disturb the harmony
VACATION. 237
of his lovely Christian course as a clergyman and a refined, intel-
lectual, agreeable man, whom we all so thoroughly prized as a
pastor and friend. . . . His visits to my beloved mother during
her painful illness, his prayers by her bedside, so full of conso-
lation, so elevating, so beautiful in their simplicity and perfect
faith and trust, all, all, as I sit at my desk in the room where
she breathed her last, and where she suffered and faded day by
day without a murmur, rise vividly to my mind as I write. The
picture is before me ; and she seems to speak, and say, ' This is
true. Mr. Lowe was to me and to us all what you say of him,
and more.' The only regret was his illness, which we saw coming
on ; and we deplored his declining health, and felt his departure
deeply." . . .
Miss Harriet Lee of Salem, in speaking of him socially,
says,
"Whether, as a member of the German class, the Shakspeare
Club, or companion of a walk into the country, he was always a
delightful addition. A friend writes, ' Mr. Lowe was fearless in
speaking the truth, but he did it with great consideration for
others ; and the noble sincerity of his nature made every one trust
him.' All the friends whom I have seen confirm my most agree-
able impressions ; and I have only to add, that the regret in the
church was universal when he was compelled by illness to resign
his post."
" The result of the election makes us all somewhat cast down;
but, considering the excited feeling, the calmness is remarkable.
All New England goes for Fre'mont by an overwhelming majority.
And yet there is not a word of rebellion at their disappointment.
Perhaps it is as well. The ruling party will probably act with
caution. Things will go on better than we fear. We cannot
estimate, at any rate, the good done by the contest, it has brought
so many persons to work together inspired by a high moral senti-
ment. The masses have acted professedly and heartily against the
evil of slavery. And those who have acted against them have
been obliged to pretend, if they did not really feel it, that they
were as much anti-slavery as any, ' only more wisely so.'
" Thanksgiving. A very small audience for my ' home ' sermon.
I was a little disturbed by it. Perhaps I have no reason for it.
238 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
People have in many cases a reasonable excuse. My feeling is
wrong, because a personal one, a wish to have my effort appre-
ciated. . . . Nov. 31. I went to Boston to see the Peabodys.
Mr. P 's mind was clear, and he talked much. Told E
an d A to go to rest, and they should be called a half an hour
before he left them. He took farewell of Dr. Jackson with much
affection. He talked about his own father for an hour with great
tenderness, how he died when he was nine years old, and how his
people revered him. It was a touching proof of the immortality
of the affections v ... Tuesday. I went with Mr. F to
Boston to the funeral. Services at the house by Dr. Putnam.
The simple burial-service at the church was by Mr. Morison.
Much feeling was manifested by the brother ministers afterwards
at the rooms. . . . Friday. I have nearly finished a sermon
intended to be suited to the occasion of Mr. P 's death, on a
text given me by Mrs. F ; namely, ' My judgment is just, be-
cause I seek not my own will, but the will of him that sent me.'
This sermon seems to have been a favorite one with him,
or with those who heard it, for he appears to have preached
it a good many times. He was prompted to write it, as he
says, from his affection and regard for Dr. Ephraim Peabod} T ,
who was the tj'pe to him of every thing noble and just in
Christian character, and whose departure he so deeply
mourned. We quote a few lines from it:
" Have you ever thought how much the force of Jesus' ministry
consisted in this simple clearness of judgment, and power of dis-
cernment, of which all were made conscious as soon as they came
into his presence ? Sometimes all men need is, to have their
hearts interpreted to themselves. . . . With this keenness of per-
ception on the part of Jesus, there was a wise and loving discretion
by which, according to the character of the individual, his search-
ing gaze and his word inspired just the needed feeling of remorse
or encouragement."
In speaking of the power of a single-minded spirit and
purpose, he says,
" You have perhaps striven in vain to unravel perplexities, and
to pierce the gloom of doubt, till reason has sunk baffled and weary,
VACATION. 239
and then you have turned to God in simple resignation of your
will to his, and, in the silence of your self -surrender, all is changed.
A light from heaven beams upon you, and your path seems clear
as the day. . . . Even in matters which pertain most purely to
the intellect, the connection may be maintained between clear-
ness of judgment and purity of heart and will. On those subjects
he is the surest of success, who, as one has said, ' traverses the
realm of thought as if seeking the will of One that sent him, and
who reverently looks on the features of truth as on the face of God,
and listen to its accents as to his whispered oracle.' "
Another copy of this sermon contains a direct allusion to
Dr. Ephraim Peabody, who, to the preacher's mind, best
illustrated that true power of judgment, found in those who
do the will of God. In speaking at some length of Dr.
Peabody, he sa}-s, " There was something that seemed like
intuition in the clearness of his judgment, the directness of
his intellect, and his keen insight into character ; and, while
he possessed other qualities which would have made him
loved and distinguished, nothing tinged in him the clear,
serene simplicit} 7 of truth."
" Christmas. We exchanged presents in the house. Spent
evening at Dr. Peirson's. Saturday, Dec. 27. Went to Keeue by
exchange with Mr. White. Enjoyed my visit at Mrs. W 's.
Tuesday. Began New-Year's sermon. Wednesday. Slow prog-
ress on sermon, and do nothing else. Jan. 1, 1857. Suffering
from a severe cold. ... Friday and Saturday. Almost sick
with a cold. Sunday. Not much better, but preached, and ad-
ministered the communion service, but gave notice there would be
no afternoon service. ... Tuesday. My cold returns, with
symptoms of bronchitis. My throat still sore. Sunday. Mr. G.
W came last evening, showing great thoughtf ulness, and in-
sisted that I should not preach if I found inconvenience. But I
got on much better than I supposed. The day was snowy, and the
audience small. But some said I never preached better. My
sermon was on 'No man liveth unto himself.' In the afternoon
Mr. Frothingham preached; and many of his friends from other
societies came to hear him, giving him quite a large congregation.
It was on the ' Glory of God in concealing.' . . . Sunday. Very
240 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
cold. Suffered from sore throat, but preached for Mr. C all
day. Monday. A snow-storm, such as is rarely seen. Drifts
everywhere. They are digging out roads all around. . . . My
throat continues sore. I am careful. Sunday, Jan. 25. Weather
moderated a little. Pleasant day. Preached all day." . . .
Here we find a small scrap from Mrs. Foote's journal,
which it is pleasant to insert, if onh* to bring her personality
for a moment again in connection with her minister :
" Jan. 25, 1857. H and I spent an hour with the minister,
who is very kind and good to young people. ' An Israelite indeed '
is he, 'in whom is no guile.' "
" Friday. Hard at work on my sermon on ' Regeneration.'
Shall I ever see the time when sermon-writing will be less difficult?
It is real torture, the first day or two, while bringing myself into
the subject; and then, though I experience sometimes, in writing,
a glow of joy, it is generally wearisome and painful. ...
Sunday, Feb. 1. Preached my sermon on 'Regeneration;' and,
apparently, it did service in awakening serious reflections. ...
Monday, Feb. 2. Quite used up by yesterday's work. Tuesday,
Feb. 3. No better. Had teachers' meeting in the evening, which
left me used up. ... Wednesday, Feb. 4. I woke with my aches
still clinging to me. Extreme soreness in my lungs, and weak in
my whole system. . . . Dr. P gave me some iron and gentian
as medicine. . . . Visit from Mrs. Foote, who read to me some
letters of Mr. E. Peabody and W. O. B. Peabody. I feel grateful
for such true friends. May I ever deserve them! Saturday, Feb.
6. Could not go to Taunton to preach. Thursday. Not much
better. Friday, Feb. 6. Better, but not in condition to preach.
Pain gone from my chest, but still weak. Mrs. A has sent
me some nice wine. Shall have to violate my temperance rules.
Wednesday. Greek club. Went in the evening to hear
Emerson's lecture on 'Works and Days.' I shall remember it as
one of the most interesting occasions I ever attended. It gave me
a charming impression of the man. Talked the lecture over after-
wards at Dr. P 's. Thursday, Feb. 12. German circle in my
room. Sunday, Feb. 15. Preached with great effort." . . .
We close this chapter, and open upon another, which dis-
turbs the routine of his parish-life with new events.
CHAPTER XXVI.
NEW EVENTS.
1857.
Engagement to be Married. Ill-health, Deaths in Parish.
Complete Prostration. Goes to Exeter. Alarming Condi-
tion. Slow Recovery. Resignation at Salem.
experiences came to the minister at this time in
his engagement to be married. His bodily strength
was already very much exhausted by his winter's work and
a severe cold : this, added to the natural mental excitement
of such new experiences, coming upon a frame of great
sensibility, brought him, in spite of his own efforts at resist-
ance, into a condition of ph3 T sical prostration which threat-
ened serious disease of the lungs. We continue with his
journal :
" Wednesday, Feb. 15. I still feel languid and weak. . . . The
Peirsons were all told of our engagement, and congratulated me in
the pleasantest way. . . . Had a pleasant visit from Mrs. Foote,
whose sympathy is most welcome to me in this time of happiness,
as I have also found it in dark hours. ... Thursday. A de-
lightful evening ! [Where?] ... Feb. 22, Sunday. Preached
on ' No man liveth unto himself.' . . . Took tea at Dr. P - 's.
Went afterwards to the Union Teachers' meeting, and found a
good audience, but no one to speak. I was obliged, against incli-
nation, and in face of having nothing to say, to get up twice and
speak. I was certainly surprised at myself in being able to say
any thing, and am very glad of the necessity that made me speak,
not that I made a great success, but that it was practice for me,
242 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
such as I need. After the meeting I went with Mrs. F again
to Dr. P 's, and heard some charming music. ... Tuesday,
Feb. 24. ... I am in the anxious stage of a sermon, when the
feeling is almost despair. This afternoon it began to emerge into
the pleasanter feeling, as dawn began to break, and I put the first
words upon paper. Thursday. Wrote home of my engagement
to M , but it is not out yet. My sermon is done, but a cold
shows itself in my throat. Sunday, March 1. Went through the
service in the morning, but omitted P.M. service. The people are
all kind in inquiries for my health. Mrs. N. Saltonstall was quite
urgent that 1 should go and visit her for a week, and she would
nurse me as if I were her son. ' It must be so lonesome for you in
your room,' she said, 'with no mother to care for you there, and
no sister,' or ! Kind woman! But she didn't yet know how
comfortable (if I were sick) I might be in Barton Square.
" Monday, March 2. Severe snow-storm. My cold has kept
me from going out. Thursday. To-day is more spring-like, and
I feel better. Had some touching letters in reference to my
engagement from Mr. and Mrs. W r and Mr. and Mrs. W e
of Keeue. My lungs are still ailing. ... Sunday. Preached
all day. Monday, 30. Spring-like and beautiful. Tuesday.
Teachers' meeting in evening. Sunday, April 3. Pleasant. En-
joyed preaching, but felt very tired, as I had the communion ser-
vice. ... Sunday, April 26. Beautiful. Preached on life of
John. Studied up pretty well on it through the week. Heard
Fanny Kemble read Shylock this week. Did not much like it. It
was ranting. Her Henry IV., first part, was admirable. Visited
sick persons, but had few other interruptions to a busy week.
Tuesday, April 28. Last teachers' meeting at my room. Called
to-day on invalids. Miss P , whose brother is dying, seemed
comforted to Jiave me pray with her. So does Miss C , who is
fast passing away. When shall I ever realize, in any measure,
what I know is the true work of my life, so to have my Master's
business at heart, that every opportunity shall be seized of impart-
ing religious thought, bearing in mind what is the great object for
which I am ordained? How many occasions there are in all my
daily intercourse with menl Saturday, May 2. I am not well.
Have asked Jones Very to preach for me in the P.M. . . . Very
busy this week. Have written a sermon. . . . Mr. P has
died. Have prayed twice with Miss P at her request. . . .
NEW EVENTS. 243
Mr J. C died this week quite suddenly, much respected and
beloved. . . . My cold is feverish, with headache. Saturday,
May 16. My sermon is ready, an appropriate one in reference
to the three deaths."
In glancing at this sermon, we see his manner of treating
such a subject. The text is, " Death is yours ; " and, after
speaking of the triumphant words of Paul, he says to the
bereaved ones before him,
"I cannot touch upon this subject without remembering how
sacred and delicate is the theme when it is to those who are
afflicted that we speak of death. I feel a shrinking from the task,
lest, in offering inadequate consolation, I should only add to the
grief by touching the wound ; or, if I speak with all the earnest-
ness and confidence and cheerful assurance which the gospel in-
spires, I know not but it may, by contrast with those sorrows,
grate harshly on the heart."
He speaks of the insufficiency of human reasoning on im-
mortality at such a time, though in our calm moods these
thoughts are inspiring : the mourner must fall back upon the
words, the faith, of Jesus, to sustain him. After discoursing
upon Paul's living confidence in the immortal life, he brings
the question nearer home, and asks them to recall the dying
scenes with their own beloved ones, which they have just
witnessed. He depicts those sacred moments when he and
they together watched the departing soul with the radiant
countenance so full of immortal hope ; and the sorrowing
ones, and the places around, are now, if not before, brought
into the attitude of sympathy and hope. -
" Went to Boston and to Keene with M . Sunday I was
quite sick. Went to Rev. Mr. W 's, and Mrs. W fixed
me up with flax-seed poultices and mustard. Got through preach-
ing very well, but felt ill ; next day had a pleasant time. Reached
Salem on Saturday with a bad cough. Looked at houses, and
received congratulations. Sunday. Rainy. Cough bad. Got
through the day with difficulty. I am very anxious to have
244 MENOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
a little spot of ground, and something like the country. ...
Friday. First day of sunshine for nearly two weeks. My cough
still bad. People talk to me about my health. I am a little
anxious myself. Saturday, May 23. Beautiful day. Cough a
good deal. Got a letter from M at Keene, urging me not to
preach. Went out and tried to walk, and look at houses. In
evening Mrs. F and Mrs. A called, and their anxiety
about my health affected me a good deal. . . . The letters of
congratulation which M and I have, make me feel very un-
worthy."
We have a break in his journal of over a month, as he
became utterly unable to go on. He went home for a few
days only, but did not return. But we will let him tell us
the story :
" Exeter, June 19. At the end of this long interval I will jot
down main incidents. The day after, I went to church, expecting
to preach all day. Mr. Lakemau came to me in the room below
the pulpit, almost with tears in his eyes, to beg me to close the
church in the P.M., saying that others had urged it. I, in my
weak state of nerves, was much moved. My cough was very bad
in preaching. ... I went home Monday, expecting to stay a few
days. Found out how sick I was when necessity of work was
gone. ... Wednesday. I heard that Mr. Lakeman, my dear
friend and parishioner, had died suddenly. It was a great shock
to me. He was more to me than any man ever was, except my
father, unless perhaps Mr. Johnson of Boston, more to me than
I can tell. As a listener, I felt his presence encouraging me more
than one-half the audience besides; as an advisory friend, invalu-
able and dear, the best model of a true parishioner that I ever
knew. I was too sick to officiate at his funeral, though to the last
I meant to be present. That proved impossible. Then I thought
to offer prayer in the church on Sunday following at communion,
but I was more ill than I knew."
He had all the appearance, to his nearest friends, of being
in the state of a quick consumption of the lungs. He
hardly realized his danger at the time ; and his friends kept
as cheerful as possible, and encouraged him to feel that rest
NEW EVENTS. 245
would do much for him ; and although he suffered from great
exhaustion, he did not betray much depression of spirits.
His journal was, of course, a blank for some weeks, as he
says above. But we will hear what he himself writes after-
wards about his condition when he could look back a little,
and see himself as he was.
" Exeter. My cough was bad. I was extremely weak. Night-
sweats began to increase. I was anxious about Salem, and meant
to go there, and settle up matters, till one day Dr. Peirson came,
and vetoed it. He found that tubercles had formed at the top of
my right lung, and I must be very careful. He had a blister put
on my chest, which mother still dresses night and morning. Gave
me powders for night-sweats, and charged me to eat well, and to
drink whiskey. Meantime I had decided that I could not preach
this summer, and wrote the following letter to the committee of
the church."
It will not be necessary to give these letters in full. He
expresses his regret that his illness prevents him from preach-
ing, and relinquishes his salary until the 1st of October, and
asks them with some reluctance to take charge of the pulpit.
He received a letter from the committee, expressing their
willingness to take the charge, and giving utterance to very
warm feelings of regret, and hope for his restoration to
health, which touched him very deeply.
"June 8. M came on Monday from Keene. We have
had hardly a day warm enough for me to sit out without an over-
coat. Never have I known such a spring. June 13. The doctor
an( j E came. My lung is rather better. He made the blister
smaller, and left me some fusel-oil. 1 have got down to a hundred
and seven pounds. June 20. I have had three good days in
succession. My nights have been free from perspiration. The
white- weed [daisy] tea has helped me more about that than any
thing else. To-day is like summer."
These few jottings can give no idea of the peril he had
been in, almost the shadow of death, and the anxiety and
despair of those who loved him. He was all the time patient,
246 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
serene, with a docile and elastic temperament that was easily
cheered and stimulated to throw off disease, and a spirit
perfectly obedient to the decrees of his physician. His
friends who watched by him must keep the tears behind their
eyes, in face of his tranquillity, although past experiences
of this deceptive disease almost killed their hope. But his
genial, healthful nature, under the inspiration of new affec-
tions, and the care of friends and physician, triumphed over
death, and began to look forth at the world again.
" Monday, June 29. Went down to Salem. Found M
there. Had a delightful time. Saw no one out of the family
except Mrs. Foote. . . . Edward [the doctor] is decided in the
opinion that I must not preach this winter. We are thinking
some of a farm, M and I. I find I have gained two and a
half pounds. The weather has been very pleasant. I am very
easily fatigued. Sometimes I am encouraged with the hope of
keeping up in Salem, and sometimes I am discouraged. Dr. Pea-
body preached here Sunday. Staid with us. He says perhaps
I can go back to Salem with one sermon a day, a plan which he
thinks good for both pastor and people. July 13. Went to
Keene. Sent from there my letter of resignation to the parish at
Salem."
In taking leave of Salem, it is desirable to have some
testimonial to the young preacher's work there, from other
denominations ; and fortunately we have it in a letter from
Professor, formerly Rev., James M. Hoppin, pastor of the
Orthodox Congregational Church in Salem, from which we
have the privilege of quoting :
" Although our paths did not go along together, Mr. Lowe and
myself met in social and philanthropic relations; we were, I be-
lieve, true friends; and his memory certainly belongs to some of
my most cherished recollections, at a period of life spent, when
both of us were young men, in similar professional labors and stud-
ies in the peaceful old city of Salem, Mass. His example has
been of essential service to me, as to many others who were not
immediately connected with him by denominational ties. I re-
NEW EVENTS. 247
member him as a most attractive man, as an almost unique man
in the gentleness and the simplicity of his nature. He had a
purity of spirit, as well as a breadth of charity, which, the older
I grow, I think more of because so rare, and which gave him a
quick discernment of the true and divine. He had an instinct,
I might say genius, for goodness; and he was a friend of all in
whom he thought he discovered the like impulse to do good. It
seemed to make very little difference with him what a man was
called ecclesiastically, if he were striving in the cormnon cause of
doing good. This made him a most lovable and loving man, while
at the same time there was ever to be recognized in his resolute
spirit and constant activity a real strength of character and vig-
orous individuality."
The letter to his parish expresses the regret that his
health requires a longer time of rest than he at first pro-
posed ; and he therefore tenders his resignation, showing
very plainly that it gave him great pain to do so. It may
have seemed that he was in haste to sever his connection
with them ; but the truth was, he had too much pride to be
willing to put himself in debt to any people, bj" letting them
wait long for him ; and he also felt that it would be injurious
for their interests. How hard it was for him to write this
letter we shall see :
" In Keene I had a few days of dejection after sending the letter,
but generally it was a happy visit Monday, Aug. 3. Went to
the beach with M , and found, as I hoped, our family there.
Mrs. Foote afterwards came."
Here comes in the last morsel from Mrs. Foote's diary,
like a little stone fitting into the checkered pavement of the
journal of life.
" Saturday, Aug 15, Hampton. I had a long talk with Charles.
It was sad to me. I realized more fully than I had ever done
before, how much he felt this destruction of his hopes as a minis-
ter. I realized, too, more than ever before, his noble spirit of self-
sacrifice, his utter unworldliness."
248 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
" I was improving in health, but I went to Salem It was
rainy, and I got a severe relapse. A whole fortnight there, I was
worse than before. Great pain in side and shoulder, and I coughed
very much. I got pretty gloomy. Had thought of our going on
to Dr. Loring's farm, but now I fear I cannot live in Salem.
Went home, and soon felt better."
He is easily cheered, and the fine summer weather soon
showed its good effects upon him. The wedding-day at
Keene, N.H., was now fixed.
"The weather has been fine, and I have gained accordingly.
My sister G went to Keene on Wednesday. Father and
mother go Monday, and spend the night in Fitchburg on account
of mother's health Took a lesson to-day in book-keeping from
father, and feel that I have learned something valuable. . . .
" Sunday, Sept. 13. To-morrow I leave for the great event of
my life, which I anticipate on Wednesday. I have had at times
great misgivings when I have looked at the uncertain prospect
before me, and thought how serious a thing it is to take the hap-
piness of one so dear into my hands ; and sometimes, when feeling
ill and worn, my own feeling of joy and happiness is lost. But
the fortnight of quiet at home has set my fears at rest, and I have
come to have confidence in the power of love to make all smooth.
And now it is with feelings of tranquil, grateful joy that I go
to take M for my own, and give myself to her. Meantime
my own home never seemed more pleasant to me than now. The
thoughtful care and affection which surround me is what, more
than any thing, has guided me, and soothed and softened my heart.
May I never forget the love of my father's home, or cease to
return it with gratitude ! "
CHAPTER XXVII.
LIFE ON A FARM.
1858.
The Long Parlor. The Furnishing. - Home Pictures. - The
Barn. The Stock. Notice to Quit. The Anniversaries.
Farewell to Pickman Farm.
E newly married pair started off in simple rural
-*- fashion in the little rockaway, with the white pony,
the family friend, amidst the congratulations of a circle of
beloved relatives, and took their way to the beautiful hills
of Berkshire, where they jaunted around from one town to
another, sometimes stopping at farmhouses, sometimes at
country inns, and arrived in Salem the first part of October.
As it was not considered prudent for the minister to preach,
they accepted the offer of two rooms on the Pickman farm in
the neighborhood, where, it was thought, the fresh life among
the cattle would be. of advantage to his health. The farm
was in the possession of Dr. and Mrs. George B. Loring,
and possessed many attractions. The excellent farmer and
his wife, who managed the place, received them as boarders,
giving them a separate table in their own apartments. A
joint diary of events was begun the latter part of the winter,
and it fell to his part to describe the place. We quote from
his journal :
" April 8, 1858. I glance around at our pretty room, lighted by
the open fire, and think of the hen-coop Dr. Loring and I are
building ; and the prospect of recording our occupations and enjoy-
250 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
ments is very pleasant. The decision we have arrived at is, that I
shall jot down the particulars of our situation, and M begin
to keep the journal of our daily life. First of all must be the
description of the house we inhabit, and especially our own par-
ticular rooms. No little thought and labor have been wrought
into the arrangement of them : as, in works of art, the greatest ease
and naturalness is the result of the most patient care and study,
and what seems to be the almost spontaneous production of genius
has in its creation required sleepless nights and toilsome days;
so this parlor in which I write, though to an observer it might
seem that no other order of things would be possible, that every
article is just adapted to its particular place, and that they must
almost have arranged themselves, in reality is the embodiment
of many a consultation, and of much ingenious contrivance and
design. Hardly a picture, or an article of furniture, but has been
placed in many a position in the room before it was finally settled
in its present place ; and each has occasioned a separate glow of sat-
isfaction in the arrangers, as the effect of it was seen in the place
where they decided that it should remain.
" Rather dreary the room looked when we first came out to look
at it, all bare of furniture as it was ; but its capacities were ap-
parent then, and the sunny front windows gave promise of many
a smiling day. . . . The dimensions of the room are 17 X 21 feet,
and 8 feet in height. Directly through the centre, from front
to rear, a great beam runs across the ceiling, giving a decidedly
old-fashioned look to the room. A wooden wainscoting goes
round the room, about 3 feet high from the floor, leaving, there-
fore, when the doors and windows are deducted, not much clear
papered surface of wall. What there is of this, however, displays
the earliest trace of our transforming skill. It was the conception
of Mrs. L , that the old paper that covered the room should be
taken off, and that we ourselves should put on a new one. It was
a hard job for us, but successfully achieved, a pretty white-
figured paper, nothing could be better as a ground for pictures,
and a graceful green and gold border along the top. Specimens of
both are preserved in the red box. . . . To begin now the descrip-
tion by detail. Beginning now with the eastern side, there is first
the door leading into the great dining-room, where my bookcases
are, and where, during the past winter, Dr. Loring had his dinner
for the agricultural gentlemen, to which I was invited. . . . Next to
LIFE ON A FARM. 251
this dining-room door comes the panelling of what was perhaps
once a door to the closet which now belongs to the dining-room ;
though perhaps it was only made to resemble the door, in order to
correspond with the other side of the stove. Then comes the
wooden mantel-piece. . . . Above it hangs the picture belonging
to M 's brother H , which we are keeping for a while.
[Picture once belonging to Washington in the house at Cam-
bridge.] The light shines on it finely in the afternoon; and many
a time this winter I have sat after dinner by the fire in my green
easy-chair, enjoying the winter landscape of that frozen lake, the
bare old trees towering up into the clear sky, the well-arranged
lights and shadows from the moon just rising across the lake, and
the group of hunters behind the log by their camp-fire. I wonder
to myself if the old bear got safely over the ice, or whether the
man that is following him succeeded in catching him as a reward
for his cold tracking of him through the woods. ... At the side
of our open coal-fire are the appurtenances of shovel and tongs,
etc., and a pair of bellows that never are used, a brass-handled
brush that twists round and plagues one whenever it is touched,
and a holder made of handsome pink and green silk. It seemed
to me too handsome and delicate to be used for taking the blower
off, and I was frequently rebuked for taking a piece of newspaper
instead, till M one day, in using it herself, burnt a hole in it
with the hot handle of the blower; and now she sees the wisdom
of my prudent care. In front of the stove is our comfortable rug,
which M brought from Keene. On the other side of the
mantel-piece is the closet. . . . The lunch is generally found in
the tin box which we bought to keep the remainder of our wedding-
cake in. ... Our stove during Mrs. T 's [the farmer's wife]
illness got rather rusty; and I found some black lead, and tried to
polish it up. I made poor work of it, and since then have had no
occasion to repeat the job. Our custom of keeping good things in
the closet has lately proved attractive to the mice. We have set
a trap, and caught eight of the intruders. M felt badly to
have the little creatures killed, but became reconciled when she
saw the keen relish with which the old cat devoured them, and
considered that this was really the mouse's appointed end. . . .
One feature of the eastern end of the room we noticed when we
papered the walls; viz., that it is all panelling, and there is not
one inch of papered surface on the whole. ... At the first
252 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
window M has her plants. At first they were not a very
beautiful collection. The japonica, which is the most preten-
tious of them, had a promising bud on it; but it dropped off. The
ivy-plants gave no signs of growth. The lemon-tree was too spin-
dling, and sparing of leaves, to excite much admiration. A pretty
mignonette started by Hatty P in a little green pot gave
us fragrance for a while; but an unlucky upsetting of the pot
disturbed it, and it wilted and died. These constituted our winter
flora. They were carefully watered every day after dinner, and
put near the fire at night. For a long time we kept them on the
floor by the window, but finally the old rockaway seat was brought
in and set up; and, when they were placed upon it, we thought we
had effected a decided improvement. But I made at length a
shelf, and the plants had a second promotion. At the same time
were added a verbena and a heliotrope. On M 's little rustic
table is the pot in which my German friends sent me a lily of the
valley in Halle. It has now a little daisy in it. The ivies have
taken a start now, and we are not ashamed of our flower-window.
Between the window and the door is the engraving from Dresden,
called 'Christ Geburt;' and also my round black-walnut table,
with knick-knacks on it, especially the carved Swiss vase, which
from its delicacy, and proneness to tip over, causes us many a start.
Over the table is the 'Theologia' of Raphael given me by Mrs.
P of Salem, and under that is the likeness of Mr. E Pea-
body. In the corner of the room is my study-table. The desk
and my green-leather chair are on the side towards the door; so
that, as I sit, I have the front window on my left. I generally sit
here (besides the times of my writing) when M is out riding
Flora, or driving alone to town, so as to see her when she comes
along the road. On the front side of the room is Hatty P 's
picture of the dog's head, and on the other side is the Spanish
painting of St. Joseph, our wedding present from our brother
H . In the centre space between the two windows is M 's
large Murillo; and in the space between the window and the corner
is the copy of Correggio's Madonna, done in Spain. These three
oil-paintings give a rich effect and air of elegance to the apart-
ment. Under the large picture is the piano. The people of the
house are all of them fond of music, and are often listening in the
dining-room while M plays and sings. In the way of music
M has been trying to teach me to sing the bass to a few
LIFE ON A FARM. 253
pieces, such as ' Stars of the Summer Night,' and ' Nearer, my
God, to Thee. ' Then comes the large green arm-chair from Keene,
and behind it the portfolio of engravings, the atlases, etc. That
window looks out upon the orchard and hillside. There one of us
looks for the other coming home by the short cut from the turn-
stile by the road. ... It was a great joy to find we could fit my
book-cases into the room, covering up two useless windows, and
keeping the cold out. Between them the ' what-not ' fitted to a
charm. Above it is the picture of St. Jerome, and the German
castle by moonlight. In a little space is the little cone-frame and
moss-work made by mother under the picture of the ' Three Fates.'
In another corner is the bronze vase from Mrs. P , the photo-
graph of father, and the engraving of Michael Angelo. This com-
pletes the circle of the parlor. On the centre-table is M 's
green table-cover, with the hop-vine border, and my solar lamp
which I had in New Bedford. It has done famously, though we
have tried it with the cheapest oil. (That pretty dear this season,
ninety cents ) . . . On the two sides of this table are the two
easy-chairs of ' marm and sir.' There they sit, the two, by even-
ing or by day, reading sometimes, and sometimes one is working,
and the other making lamp-lighters. Sometimes it has happened
that ' the other ' has been fast asleep, while ' the one ' was quietly
composing a poem. The old cat regards the green arm-chair as
her special property, and maybe the real possessors are too indul-
gent for their own interests. . . . Our table at morning and night
looks beautifully with our red and brown cloth and silver set; and,
as to the eatables, we are never ashamed to ask at a venture at
any time a visitor to stay and take a meal with us. ... One of
the pleasantest hours of the day is that just after tea, when M
is washing up the tea-things with her little blue tub (which has re-
placed the broken bowl, on which thirty-seven and a half cents
went to nothing), arid her little mop and towel, while I am sitting
by the fire watching her, or looking at the newspaper just brought
out from Salem. Father keeps me pretty well supplied with news-
papers from home; and we take ' The Salem Gazette,' and ' Chris-
tian Register,' and 'Inquirer' for ourselves.
..." Our chamber has two front windows, and one side win-
dow which looks out on the yard. Here M can sit and look
out upon the pleasant view. There is the big willow-tree with its
spreading branches, often with a horse and carriage fastened to
254 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
it; the pump, where Margaret and Michael are often seen pump-
ing water, and where I take our carriage to wash it; the tall,
slender elm which the cats like to climb, on which I placed this
spring a hollow tile for the blue-birds; the shed, where are gen-
erally the milk-cart and wagon, and sometimes Dr. Loring's car-
riage. Next the shed is an old apple-house, which I cleared out
and appropriated for our own carriage-house : next is the tool-
house. The barn stands on the side opposite the chamber-window;
and, when its great doors are open, we can see from here all that
is going on within. In morning the sun streams in at this win-
dow, lighting up the entry-door with its first gleams; and at sunset
the front window gives the most beautiful prospect of the western
News came in an indirect waj- that the owners might wish
to occupy the house the coming summer ; but the tenants
were so charmed with their home, that they did not willingly
give credit to it ; and so the journal goes on :
" The Stock. First of all ought to come the turkeys, because
they have afforded us constant amusement. When we came, there
were eighteen of them. They strutted about the yard; and we
could watch them from the chamber-window moving about, pick-
ing at one another in little combats, and exhibiting a variety of
action which it was interesting to study. When we went out, they
would generally answer our salute with a gobble, gobble, gobble,
so perfect and simultaneous, that we could never ascertain that
there was any leader; and it was probably a spontaneous action,
natural to the social disposition of the turkey. They were gener-
ally separated in two distinct groups; the two sexes being by
themselves, like young men and women at a first evening-party.
At night they all roosted in the red-maple tree by the kitchen-
door. It was amusing to see them take their places on it. They
were often an hour in getting settled, stretching their long necks
up towards it a great while before they could make up their minds
to try and fly up. And sometimes, failing to hit the branch, they
would tumble off, and save themselves from a too precipitous de-
scent by a noisy flight, and flapping down into the yard. One by
one the poor turkeys have disappeared, till now there are only six
hens and eight gobblers about the premises. The fate of the lost
LIFE ON A FARM. 255
ones has been that which is usual to turkeys. Only two were any
way distinguished, one by appearing on the table when the next
agricultural dinner came off, a noble-looking creature weighing six-
teen pounds; the other was sick, and put in the boiler-house, where
a skunk killed him."
We are rather surprised that he does not say any thing
about the cattle in the barn. He probabl}' had not got to
them in his journal, when rumors of a necessaiy departure
broke up his Pickman-farm records. It was a fine sight to
walk up and down the long barn, and see a hundred cattle,
some of them of beautiful breeds, standing along in rows,
while their warm breath softened the winter air. The expe-
rienced farmer Mr. T , as his eye glanced upon them,
could tell in a moment, from their languid air, whether any
cow had been neglected, and would call an unfaithful man
to an account, ordering fresh pails of water. To him and
his wife the tenants owed many thanks for their unwearied
attention to their comfort. The young minister had his blue
frock made like the farmer's ; and his lithe figure beside the
farmer's tall frame, as the two went round together, gave
animation and life to the winter scene.
But these idyllic days were to come to an end, yet only
to ripen for a year more into another stage of the same kind
of life, before the minister began the work of a parish again.
We take up the last jottings at the farm :
" Sunday, May 27, 1858. I am alone this afternoon in our
dear old parlor, probably the last afternoon I shall ever spend
here; since to-morrow we expect to dismantle it, and move to our
new home."
We must put in a word here to saj*, that, when the tenants
found themselves obliged to leave the farm, they cast their
eyes around, and saw the chimnej'S of an old gable-roofed
house across the meadows, sitting close upon the shore, unoc-
cupied, and yet cheerful and homelike in its aspect. Through
the aid and sympathy of their brother-in-law, Dr. Peirson
256 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
of Salem, overtures were made to the owners, who were
pleased to have the ancestral place occupied ; and so all the
arrangements were made, and the tenants at the farm were
about entering upon the new sphere of householders. The
health of the minister was not yet sufficiently established for
a field of work ; and this was only a gradual change, intro-
ducing the married pair to a little more responsibility and
freedom, yet preserving the same ideal and simple features
of life which had so charmed them at the farm. We go on
with the journal :
"The past week has been an interesting one. Monday we
drove to Boston, and we had there two rich days. We were at
my sister M 's in Cambridge Monday night; and Tuesday we
attended the Unitarian Association meeting and the festival, both
of them delightful meetings. It was hard for us to come away
from the anniversary; but we were needed here, and so drove down
by moonlight after the festival, arriving here after all in the house
were abed and asleep. The frost has probably made an end of
my fine tomato-plants and the early corn. Our new house-maid
Joanna is with us already, and she and M have made a carpet
for the dining-room. The carpets are all down, and to-morrow we
move. But, as I sit here now, the ardor which has so engrossed
me with the new house and home as to make me forget for the
past fortnight that I ever cared for this, seems to be quenched for
the hour ; and I confess that a sort of homesickness comes over me
at the idea of leaving this place, where we have enjoyed so much,
and of stripping the room which we have taken so much delight
in ornamenting. So now, with real regret, good-by to this pleas-
ant home. And even though it may be, that, absorbed with the
fresher interests of our new home, I may not in this journal take
up again the broken thread of my description of this, and finish
my account of the premises, the barns, and stock, yet I am sure
we shall both look back with unmingled pleasure upon our stay at
the Pickman Farm."
CHAPTER XXVIII.
MILLSIDE.
1859.
Description of Place. Free Life. Farming 1 . Journals. Par-
ish Committees. Visits of Friends.
WE find the journal in this new home, so far as his part
was concerned, rather scanty ; and, in fact, neither
of the occupants seem to have been any more prompt in
their records than they were at the Pickman Farm. As the
time of their probable stay grew shorter in both places, they
were touched with regret that they had not resolved sooner
to give some pencillings of a life which could not be re-
peated ; and so the fragmentary diary was begun again at
the last moment.
"Millside, Feb. 11, 1859. M has given in this journal the
first impressions of the gable-roofed house by the mills, and the
railroad and the sea, on that April day when it loomed up at
the dark period when we were groping for a home. I don't like
to go over in detail the various perplexities and annoyances and
delays experienced in getting the house ready for our occupying.
I remember the cold, dreary evening, May 3, when, having
worked very hard, we finally, at seven o'clock P.M., came over
with our last load to deposit it in the house, with the help
of our Joanna. No beds up, no fires bunt, with a dreary pros-
pect for the night. Michael, however, appeared with the carryall
from Salem, and a message from E and E that they
would never forgive us if we refused to come and spend the night
comfortably there. We were stubborn for a while, but finally
258 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
came to terms, and had a good rest in their dear home, and woke
up refreshed to think of our own home now first to be enjoyed.
... I pass over pretty hurriedly the proceedings of the sum-
mer in getting fairly established. There was work enough to
do. Every thing seemed dilapidated without the house. How-
ever, after a while, we got fixed in a measure; and a pretty
home it was. So everybody said, as well as we; and all the Mar-
bleheaders and others, who, in passing, had known the place for
years, opened their eyes as they went by, and said they never knew
how pretty the place was before. The farm-work, it must be con-
fessed, went rather hard at first. Patrick came in the morning
and evening to mow; and I, with a little help occasionally, made
and got in all my hay. I shall have nearly half of it left after
having kept Flora on it all winter. My potato-patch, planted with.
Davis Seedlings, Jackson Whites, New- York Mercers, Eastport She-
nangoes, and Giddings Seedlings, did famously until the rot came;
and then I only saved about as many as I originally bought for
seed. Squashes, tomatoes, and corn fared better. The hens did
famously. I had eight, and during most of the summer we had
from five to eight eggs a day. So much for farming. The car-
pentering and painting were no slight labor, and kept me a little
over-tired (needlessly), and M uneasy about me a good deal
of the time. These were the only drawbacks. The summer was
fine, our situation lovely, and every thing as favorable as possible.
The daily drive to Salem with Flora and the rockaway, the occa-
sional calls from Salem friends, visits from my father, mother, and
sisters, Miss C. K of Salem, Professor S , uncle S of
Keene, etc., made it sufficiently varied and pleasant."
The longing to preach grew upon him as soon as his health
improved, and we find him once more narrating parish expe-
riences.
" Feb. 14, 1859. I have been away preaching since I wrote the
last. I go almost every Sunday now, wherever I can preach half a
day. This time I have been to New Bedford. I staid at Mrs.
S 's, my old home, and ha'd a charming time. Returning
Monday morning, Mr. T of Somerville notified me that the
society voted me a call the day before. . . . This afternoon Mrs.
R- S of Salem came, and staid to tea ; also Dr. P and
HILLSIDE. 259
Ellen. . . . Tt is too late for me to continue to-night any descrip-
tion of our life at Millside."
Here his journal of Millside breaks off abruptly. Over-
tures from parishes were tempting to a man who loved to
work, who also needed, as a minister, to have his own place
to work in, and who was never contented with the prospect
of preaching about from parish to parish ; although opportu-
nities were never lacking, and he was always cordially
received wherever he went. It was amusing sometimes to
see him receiving these delegations in the shape of stand-
ing-committees. "We remember once his holding conclave
by the old well-stoop with a dignified body of men who had
surprised him, he dressed in an old-fashioned white linen
jacket which had belonged to one of the grandfathers of the
family. His naturally youthful appearance was increased by
this style of dress, so that the scene was quite ludicrous.
In order not to lose the thread of these idyllic days, we
shall be obliged to make use of the wife's journal here and
there to fill in the blanks.
''July 12, 1859. The waning hours always seem brighter at
the last, and so our hearts are growing tender towards the dear
little farm where we have lived for a year and a half so happily.
We must find time to make a journal of these last weeks here,
that we may have a hasty picture at least of our simple and free
life by the sea and orchard, to recall amid the more busy scenes
of the future."
This shows that the minister had made up his mind to
accept some of the invitations extended to him.
" To begin with the day, early in the morning, before we were
seated at the breakfast-table, some one of the household noticed
a little boat approaching; and, as Mr. and Mrs. A of Salem
had been promising a morning visit, we got the spy-glass, and
found they were in the coming boat. We met them at the shore ;
and, with the appetite gained by rowing, they seemed to enjoy the
fresh mackerel which we had caught from the bridge in front of
260 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
our house. After breakfast the two gentlemen went out a short
distance in the boat, and fished for mackerel: the whole harbor
seemed alive with them. . . . We remained at home, took baths,
and sat out of doors. In the P.M. we all went into town, and the
A s brought us back in their boat. We had a delightful sail;
and, as we came around by the ' Pine Hill ' and the coves, the moon
appeared almost full above the trees. ... July 19. Had a visit
from Mrs. C of Pepperell, and our dear niece, M. T .
C went up to-day to divinity visitation-day, and saw the min-
isters, and seemed to have a very pleasant time. His face is
brown, and his hair stylishly cut by his amiable cousin K.
W ; and he really looks very well. M. T and I took our
dinner on Pine Hill with Sprig, the dog. The harbor was on one
side with Salem and Marblehead, the open sea on the other, and
all around us cedars and pines, running vines, and old rocks. We
enjoyed very much this glow of nature on a summer day. July 20.
A dull, doggish day. Little M is sleeping soundly after her
picnic. Mr. J. Lowe drove down to-day. C goes up again
to meet his class at Cambridge. We shall enjoy going about with
C 's father and his new horse and buggy. Friday, 22. To-
night at tea-time there was a knock at the porch-door. C
went to the door, and who should appear but T y, his old col-
lege-friend, who had taken pains to come out to Millside to pass
the night with us. We hope we shall see more of him. in the
future. Saturday. This morning we found Mr. J. Lowe, who
was with us at night, missing, horse, buggy, and owner all gone.
He foresaw that we should oppose his going ; and being anxious to
be at home, as was natural on Saturday night, he resolved to take
an early start. He gave us a nice drive down to Nahant to see
the regatta.
" Friday, 29. Took a fine bath this morning, although the
water was cold. Afterwards went to ride horseback round the
beautiful oak-covered knoll in South Salem. C caught a
dozen pretty little mackerel in the harbor near us, which we had
for dinner. The little things come up here in shoals, being fright-
ened by the larger fish; and we, instead of giving them protection,
catch them and eat them. This is another of the attractions
offered by Millside, to be able to catch such delicious little fish at
your own door, and eat them, or carry them to your friends. They
are so fresh, and entirely different from the strong-flavored larger
HILLSIDE. 261
mackerel of the market. . . . To-morrow C preaches at Som-
erville. Aug. 4. To-day there has been a grand picnic of the
Universalist Society at the Pine Hill in front of us. It was a
beautiful sight to see the crowds pouring up on to the grounds,
and the train of cars coming and going, crowded with young and
old. That hill is certainly a rare place, and worthy of being the
merry-making spot of the young and happy, as is the case when
every summer comes round. 6th. Last night Mr. F. M and
H took tea with us. ... How much we missed our beloved
friend, Mrs. Foote, who would have delighted in this . . . spot!
M staid over night, and this morning we took a sea-bath
before breakfast. C took her home with the beach-horse,
and I accompanied them on Flora. Poor Flora! her knees are
still sore where I barked them (as the man said) the other day.
She fell down when I was driving. I must keep a tighter rein on
her. She is losing her youth and prime. I rode another horse
one day, and was struck with Flora's superior breeding and refine-
ment. The rockaway, which we took our wedding journey in,
has been smartened up for the new parish. 8th. To-night the
K s came from Beverly to tea. Just as they were driving off
with their little, fast horse, the A 's boat came in sight. They
had up a sail, and looked very prettily. They spent an hour with
us. They are going soon to Nova Scotia to spend a month. We
should miss them much if it were not that we are going away
ourselves. An Englishman, a real tar, came here this morning
with two or three pieces of silk to sell, Mandarins from the West
Indies he called them. ' I swear to ye, madam,' he said, ' they
will wear longer than your teeth.' A. P , who was with me,
remarked aside, that that was not saying much nowadays. When
I said ' No,' he turned away with atragic air. . . . llth. To-day
A. P and I went down to the beach, and called at the B s.
We saw some of the most exquisite birds there that I ever ima-
gined in the tropical woods." . . .
We have given these fragments of the other journal to
complete a little more the picture of this simple and yet
unique little home by the sea. Being on the road to Marble-
head, a great deal of small traffic was going on ; and hardly
a day passed that merchandise was not brought to the door
by some quaint, original man fresh from the sea, or at least
262 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
marked with the flavor of these ancient seaports. Friends
were often accustomed to drive or walk out from Salem ; and
such is the genial tendency of simple countiy life, that many
who perhaps would never have been at their table in town,
would sit down after a long walk, and take a cup of tea, and
enjoy the freedom in contrast to the restrictions of spacious
homes and many servants. But, as we have said before, the
preacher was uneasy without a parish : the invitation to Som-
erville was accepted, and the last days were approaching.
The journal at Hillside closes here.
The parish in Somerville offered advantages to a delicate
man which larger places could not do. The low suburbs of
the town were not prepossessing to the passer-by on the rail-
waj'-train : but both Spring and Winter Hills were beautifully
situated, commanding surprising views of Boston, Cam-
bridge, Arlington, Medford, etc. ; and the air was much
dryer than in any of the towns around Boston. The parish
was harmonious ; the long distances made it undesirable to
have an afternoon service ; the people were cordial, and not
exacting of their minister ; the nearness to Cambridge and
Boston was an advantage ; and the prospect for the future
seemed bright and encouraging, promising, without a sacri-
fice of health, a career of usefulness and happiness.
CHAPTER XXIX.
ANOTHER PARISH.
1850-1860.
The New Home. The People. Sermon-writing. Convention.
Sunday-school Address at Newton. Paper before the
South Middlesex Ministerial Association at Cambridge.
THIS chapter opens with the minister in his new home.
He turns back, however, with a longing, to the old
one, describing the leave-taking, etc., in his journal, which
we will quote a little from in order to keep hold of the thread
of our narrative :
" Someroille, Nov. 6, 1859. We have been a whole month in
our new home; but those blank leaves have been left with the
expectation that our memories would sometimes bring up Millside
again, and that some record would be inserted of our final depar-
ture. Situated as we were, with the growing interests of our
parish, and the oversight of our new house as it drew near comple-
tion, with the necessity of coming often to Somerville, it is not
surprising that the charm of Millside should have rather tapered
off, and finally merged into the longing to have over the dreaded
experience of a move."
We must add a few words here, to say that he had found
it difficult to procure a satisfactory house in Somerville : he
was assured that building was attended with no risk in that
community ; and he therefore planned himself a convenient
house, bought an attractive piece of land at a low rate, ruled
his head carpenter and workmen with a firm hand, had his
eye on every part, made them alter when unfaithful in work,
264 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
kept the builder strictly to his contract, and, when the man
declared pathetically at the end that he had made nothing,
gave him a present of some money, as an act of kindness,
not allowing extortion from him, as is often the case, from
want of calculation on the part of the builder. The house
was roomy, pleasant, with an excellent foundation ; but much
money was saved in the finishing off and ornamentation
of the inside. It was, in fact, considered rather a marvel of
success by his brother ministers who saw it at that time.
We go on with the journal.
" Nov. 6. For several weeks our time was occupied in packing,
and making calls in Salem. Only occasionally, when a warm day
came, the charms of the orchard and slope and sea came up, with
the pleasant feeling that here had been our first real home. There
have happened many things which we shall always like to recall.
The bathing, when we used to run across the road in our wet cos-
tumes to dodge the passing carriages ; E and her babies coming
out from Salem with Gypsy and the carryall, and showing little
K the chickens and the lambs; the green bench under the
apple-tree, where I wonder we didn't sit more to look across at
Beverly and the vessels in the harbor, these are all pleasant pic-
tures for us. The tumble-down barn and out-buildings, to be
sure, appear rather to disadvantage when I compare them with the
snug conveniences I have now; and I shouldn't care to go back
to the cumbersome door, and rickety stall, and far-off pump, and
cluttered floor. Two furniture- wagons brought part of our goods ;
and Flora and Gypsy harnessed together as a span, one white,
and one jet black, brought us, with a host of little things left
behind. It was rather hard to have our last look at Hillside while
tired with work and our unsettled condition. . . . Never again
shall we see it as it was; though I cannot help predicting, that,
with its beauty of situation, the place may be transformed into a
finer country-seat. Now good-by to Millside, and long live the
memory of its pleasant retreat! "
In order to begin the narration of events in the minister's
new home, we shall be obliged to quote again from the part-
ner's journal.
ANOTHER PARISH. 265
"Sunday P.M., Oct. 2. We had a comfortable room for the
night in our new home, thanks to C 's father, and H. P
of Salem, who were here already working for us. The bells rang
nine as we were about to retire for the night; and it was strange
and delightful to hear them beginning one after the other, spread-
ing more and more until they sounded from every region, deep,
light, high, and low, in Cambridge, Charlestown, Medfovd, Chel-
sea, Maiden, and Boston, and rang us to sleep. The morning
was foggy when we waked, but we felt like rising in an enchanted
place. The hills all around us, little cities, a thousand spires,
sacred and beautiful Mount Auburn, Bunker-hill Monument, and
old Boston with the State House sitting high and august, and the
brick walls of houses rising like a pyramid around it, and lastly
our little gem of a church on the hill, which seemed to look in at
the windows as if beckoning to the ministry of the Word.
" Sunday, Oct. 30. A whole month of care and solid work,
real solid work : but at last we are rewarded ; our home is put in
order, the things sit in their places with a look of repose. This
order in our little world around us straightens out our minds.
We begin to know what time to sit in an arm-chair and take a
book, what time to write a letter, to make a call, to muse by the
window, to work and rest. Order takes possession of our souls.
We are no longer slaves, driven by necessity and blind impulse to
work, work until all is done. We do that which best suits the
frame of our minds, which circumstances call forth, which duty
inspires. Happy they who can so live in freedom ! Pity for those
who toil mechanically day after day at the same thing, with no
interest, in order to earn their daily bread !
" Our Sunday service was very unfortunate. The minister with
whom C exchanged failed to be on the spot. We know not
how to explain it. There we sat : the organ, that sure friend in
such cases, went on and on playing ; finally the choir rose, and
sang very well, ' Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.' Then a pause :
heads went together. Finally Deacon Foster, with solemn step,
came round to me. I assured him that Mr. Lowe had done his
duty, and still hoped the minister would come. He informed the
congregation, and suggested that they should take up the collec-
tion for the Sunday-school library. That done, another pause.
He then called on a brother to go into the pulpit, who declined
on account of the weakness of his voice. He called then on Mr.
266 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
C . The latter rose, and went into the pulpit, took the Bible,
read a chapter in a dignified and excellent manner. He then gave
out ' Old Hundred ' for all to sing, and the audience returned
home. Never have I seen a congregation behave better in such a
crisis, or a more efficient man come forward and officiate. I
felt very sorry for C that such a thing should occur ; but I was
much gratified at the indication which the scene gave me, of the
dignified character of our new parish.
" Nov. 7, 1859. Men at work still on house."
We find the next volume of his journal, which takes up
the narrative of his life in Somerville after an interval of a
year.
" Somerville, Sept. 2, 1860. It is just the beginning of our
parish year. We returned last Tuesday from Princeton, having
spent our vacation there and at Pigeon Cove. I wrote a sermon
Thursday on the duties of the parish, which I have preached
to-day. It contained a pretty strong allusion to the need of doing
something to the church-grounds."
We have said that this parish only required a half-day's
service, and that was one ground for his accepting the situa-
tion ; but we see, from his allusions to the P.M. service, that
he did have, for a part of the year, an afternoon service.
" They are a pleasant people, and I am glad to meet them again
after my absence. . . . We have begun our year quietly. . . .
The papers begin to report great political excitement, and to-
morrow there is to be a mass-meeting at Exeter. Read to-day
in 'Christian Examiner.' . . . Also in Michelet's ' L' Amour,'
a singular book, full of genius, undoubtedly true in much of the
portraiture of woman's inner life and experience, and of her sen-
sitive organization ; and yet it is to be hoped so far an exaggera-
tion, or a highly wrought picture, of woman's experience, as to
be even less true than the tame, prosaic conception of them which
men generally entertain. Such a book does not certainly heighten
the sense of the desirableness of life and its relations. Sept. 8.
Went to Boston. ... We are troubled about the place for the
autumnal convention. . . . To-day's papers contain the speech of
Gov. Andrew just nominated for governor. It is like what I had
ANOTHER PARISH. 267
thought him to be, high-toned, and more than honorable,
Christian.
" Thursday, Sept. 6. ... Went to Salem. Talked with the
intelligent depot-master there. It is encouraging to see how ready
all are to respond to noble sentiments such as those uttered by
John A. Andrew at his nomination for governor mentioned in
journal yesterday.
" Sunday, Sept. 9. Very cold and rainy. In the evening C.
T and N. T came in. I have given a standing invitation
to the young men of the parish to call and see me the second Sun-
day of the month, and these two are the only ones almost who
have taken advantage of it. Tuesday, Oct. 9. Went to New
Bedford to convention. Whole thing very successful and pleasant.
Dr. Hedge's sermon was the great feature of the occasion. I met
many friends in New Bedford. Messrs. Hale, Walker, and I are
well satisfied, and the occasion has been worth all the trouble it
caused me; and I look back with pleasure upon the experience
connected with it, and especially the intercourse and associations
with the committee, and the friendship formed with them. I
pledged forty dollars from our society. Friday. The Prince of
Wales at Cambridge. M and I drove over, and saw him at
the entrance of the college-gate. The students cheered him. . . .
Oct. 20. At breakfast M suggested that I should make a
sermon out of this visit of the Prince."
The allusion to the fact that he pledged forty dollars from
his society to the Association shows us the change he effected
during his stay in Somerville, and also through his future
connection with the Association. This little society which
raised forty dollars, in subsequent years, without any con-
siderable increase in numbers, raised ten times that sum for
our general missionary work.
" I took up with M 's suggestion about a sermon, and sat
down, and had it ready before dinner-time. I don't know how
good it may be, but it gratifies my feeling of satisfaction at being
able to write a sermon in so short a time."
This sermon might be said to be the beginning of a dif-
ferent style of composition on his part. Hitherto he had
268 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
written his sermons painfully, carefully elaborated them,
hunted up apt illustrations, and waited earnestl}- often for
the spirit to move him to an emotion of piety. Now he
looked more at his daily life, saw just what the business men
around him needed, what the mothers of families longed for,
what the young people ought to hear, to arrest them in their
thoughtlessness, or gently stimulate them in their best efforts.
The other kind of sermon, as a work of art, made up of
study and eloquent thought, we may say, was well suited to
attract and move a general audience, and is necessary, we
believe, to keep up the standard of a preacher's ability, and
extend his influence in other churches ; but he can afford,
at less sacrifice of time, to take up plain every-day questions
in his own pulpit in a clear and simple way. without the
fatigue of excessive study or research. When we observe
how the Protestant preachers abroad in France, all have
their associate pastors to supply their pulpits, and the Eng-
lish bishops their rectors, and the rector his curate, we mar-
vel how the New-England people should have been allowed
to put so much intellectual work upon one man, with their
three services on Sunday, and all their other demands. For-
tunately our minister was not over-taxed here ; and we shall
see, that, in this smaller parish, he breathed freer, and con-
fessed to an enjoj^ment in sermon-writing which he had
never experienced before.
" I have been busy with my address for Newton. Oct. 24. Con-
ventiou at Kewton. Every thing went off pleasantly. Speaking
good. My Sunday-school address was well received with most
gratifying expressions, and it was voted to have it published."
This Sunday-school address we find in a copy of "The
Christian Register ; " and, although our space will not allow
us to quote much from it, we will give one or two passages,
which seem to hit the demands of to-day as much as then.
In speaking of developing the element of faith in the child,
at first, rather than the critical faculty, "faith in a living,
ANOTHER PARISH. 269
personal God, a moral law of right, and a future life," he
goes on in a liberal way to show that this early training does
not necessarily produce narrow or over-conservative minds.
He saj's,
..." When these convictions of faith have been unfolded in
the proper period of childhood, they will ever remain ; and the sub-
sequent development is all in harmony with them, as we see is the
case in many of the leaders of free religious thought of the present
day. With minds impatient of error, or of restraint, following the
critical tendency of the age, they question every thing, and carry
their inquiries into the very deepest and holiest themes pertaining
to God and truth. Yet they never lose those deep, fundamental,
early-developed convictions of the soul. Such men may be scepti-
cal, but they can never be irreligious."
He speaks of the recent results of criticism, and the diffi-
culty often of harmonizing the Old Testament with science
or reason, and sympathizes with the perplexities of teachers
as to what course to take ; yet he regrets that the old Bible-
stories are really unknown to many children in our most cul-
tivated families. He says,
" When the reason has matured, so that questions begin to rise,
and doubts and difficulties appear, then, I say, by all means give
the reason scope I Do not try to cover up the difficulties, or skulk
out of the way ! Truth needs no such defending. But, before that
time comes, there is no occasion to force them upon the mind; and
the course I would urge is, not to regard these difficulties at all,
but to take the portions in question for the good teachings which
they contain."
He thinks we are too apt to judge of children's feelings
from our own stand-point in regard to the old Bible-stories.
Because they have lost some of their charm for us, it does
not prove that they are not suited to children, as they were
to the childhood of the race. He reminds us that we often
find uninteresting the novel or poem that fascinated our
youth. This proves nothing against the value of those
270 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
books, but simply that our minds have changed. So with
our estimate of the Old Testament. He speaks very ear-
nestly, towards the close of his paper, of the respect for
authority, reverence for God, and confidence in the teach-
ings of Christ, which are so much more likely to be devel-
oped in the Sunday school than the home ; because the
teacher, from the respect which he or she inspires, can more
naturally lead the child to talk on religious subjects than
many parents in the home.
Here, again, in seeing that he had time and strength to
write and deliver this address, along with his other duties,
we perceive the advantage which he was deriving from a
change of situation. He had the freshness and quiet of a
country home when he needed stud}' or repose : he was near
Cambridge and Boston, and soon brought into connection,
not only with the Sunda3 T -school Society, but with an asso-
ciation of ministers in South Middlesex County, which he
valued all his life. Invitations to give essays before con-
ferences came in to him, and he was not so hard worked
that he had not time to grow. And this occasional outside
work re-acted with advantage upon his people ; for it fresh-
ened his mind, and enabled him to do better for them at less
cost to himself.
" Oct. 26. Went to Boston. On my return, stowed away a
load of hay, which, in my state of body, was no small work. . . .
I am on a committee of Sunday-school directors for ' The Sunday-
school Gazette.' ... I have in mind two ladies who I think will
aid the editor, and do the work well. ... Friday. Spent P.M.
in setting out blackberry-vines. Attended my first political meet-
ing. Every night now are torch-light processions, ' Lincoln Wide
Awakes,' etc. I feel hopeful about Lincoln's election. ...
Monday, Nov. 5. Made calls. The fireworks in the evening, all
around us, were beautiful. The whole campaign has been a most
interesting one. Except a few partisan papers, the spirit has been
friendly between the various parties. How the matter will termi-
nate is a source of great anxiety to many thousands of our citizens.
ANOTHER PARISH. 271
A great nation's future is hanging on the results of a few hours.
Tuesday, Nov. 5. Election day. . . . The ' Wide Awakes ' were
out until twelve o'clock, waiting for news of the election. ...
Saturday. Setting out trees."
Man} 7 of these trees on the place had something more than
a horticultural value. Some of them were taken up in the
beautiful valle}* of Keene, in Exeter ; some came from the
grounds of friends in Somerville : and the place soon lost its
aspect of newness, and had quite the look of a pleasant par-
sonage.
..." Tuesday. The Agassiz Museum was dedicated. I went
in time to hear Agassiz and Gov. Banks. The latter delighted all
by his sensible and eloquent speech. ... Nov. 24. Went to
New Bedford in exchange with Mr. Potter Staid at Mrs. S 's.
"Dec. 11. I have skipped a long interval, including our
Thanksgiving in Salem, etc. . . . Last Sunday preached at King's
Chapel. Rather enjoyed it. Yesterday, at J. Ware's, had a fine
association meeting, discussing the minister's duty in regard to
politics and the present crisis. . . . This evening had a second
preliminary meeting of young men at our house to form a debating
society. It was a pleasant and successful one. A constitution was
adopted, and I was chosen president. The debates are for next
Tuesday. The society promises well." . . .
This little debating society must have had an importance
then in the community which it could hardly claim now.
Such has been the wonderful growth of our suburban towns,
so many new interests have sprung up, art, literature, lan-
guages, the drama, are widening and engrossing young minds
so much, that the Church has harder, and yet we may say
simpler, work before her, to keep her children from forget-
ting God and the gospel of Christ.
"Jan. 25, 1860. Went with M last night to hear Peirce's
Lowell lecture (the second one), being on Potential Arithmetic."
Here follows quite an abstract of the lecture, and some
pen-and-ink illustrations. He had a great love of inathe-
272 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
matics, and might have increased the good proficiency he
had at college, only his mind was turned to other things.
" The past few weeks have been very exciting on account of
political troubles. The whole nation disturbed by secession of
Southern States, and fears of general dissolution. . . . Our North-
ern section is full of warlike sentiment, with a minority ready to
sacrifice every principle for union and peace. . . . Yesterday an
attempt to hold an abolition meeting in Boston was broken up by
a mob, and even the most respectable citizens there are advocating
restriction of freedom of speech. Our ministers are generally (as
shown by their Fast-Day sermons) for firm adherence to principles
only ready to offer any conciliation consistent with this. . . .
Anderson, the commander of Fort Moultrie, has been the hero of
the day, in his defence of Fort Sumter against the seceders. We
are in danger of civil war. ... Saturday, 26. Made two calls
with M this morning, and one in the P.M. It is hard to get at
the people, living apart as they all do; and I miss very much the
degree of oneness and community of interest and action that there
is in the life of a compact place, whether village or small city.
People are only suburban. You cannot see the men except at
night. It is hard, then, to get at them. They cannot be got out
to lectures, etc. They hardly know each other, save in neighbor-
hoods, or as business connections unite them. At any rate, I feel
a great disadvantage in this sort of relation. Certainly, however,
there are offsets in favor of the situation for me. It is easy and
healthful labor, and I have every thing to make home pleasant."
Although it was expressly stated, when he accepted the
call at Somerville, that no afternoon service was desired or
advisable, he was fearful that some might be the losers, and
therefore kept it up a part of the year with great conscien-
tiousness ; although he often said that it was his devoted
personal friends who came to hear him, and not the outside
circle, which really needed most the preaching. The church
was then unsuited for an evening service, which the people
in later years have found so effective in drawing in the
wanderers.
" I have been reading * Recreations of a Country Parson,' which is
ANOTHER PARISH. 273
entertaining and suggestive. . . . Monday, 28th. Went in P.M.
to Boston to attend directors' meeting of Sunday-school Society.
I am in hopes to rouse up more energy. Tuesday, 29th. Made
calls with M on Winter Hill. ... Sunday. Pleasant, but
bad walking. Afternoon service omitted. We have been very
sorry lately to hear that we are likely to lose the F s. Deacon
F is out of health ; will probably sell his place, and leave
town. The family will be a great loss to us. ... A busy week.
I am to read the essay before our association at Cambridge. . . .
Feb. 27. Attended school examinations. ... March 6. The
inauguration has been the engrossing topic, and seems to give
the people a little more confidence in the security of the country.
Boston hardly maintains her patriotic character. The merchants
there seem governed by regard for business interests, and show
less of the people's unselfish patriotic spirit than used to charac-
terize the city."
We find that the paper which he read at this time before
the Ministers' Association was on the subject of the famous
volume of " Essays and Reviews," by English scholars and
theologians. We can hardly realize now how much excite-
ment this book created. Attacks were made upon it by
leading Episcopal journals at home and abroad, and it was
vigorously defended by the "Westminster Review," etc.
The attacks, as well as the defence, we can see now were
narrow and crude ; but man}" honest Christians were much
troubled in their minds. The Episcopal critics, of course,
argued that the book was hostile to Christianity ; and the
"Westminster Review" played into their hands, by chuc-
kling over the sentiments of the book as not only ' ' contrary
to the canon, but to Scripture itself." A writer also in our
" North-American Review " heads his article " The Oxford
Clergymen's Attack on Christianity."
Our writer takes up first the essay of Dr. Temple on " The
Education of the World." Here we are startled to find,
that, so few years ago, intelligent Christians were horrified
at the idea advanced, that Greeks, Romans, Persians, Hin-
doos, etc., were being led along by the Providence of God
274 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
through their early and imperfect religions, like the Jews.
The young essayist confesses that he was alwaj's of this way
of thinking : he never believed they were left in the dark
in religious darkness all this time; although he believes,
from their constitution and surroundings, their progress in
religion was slower than that of the Hebrews. He declares
that it seems profane to him to ask a follower of Confucius
or Buddha to accept the early Jewish law before be can re-
ceive Christianity, admirable as those laws were for the
childhood of the race. It would be a blunder, a sacrilege,
to force such men to throw up this earl} 7 training, to cut off
those stocks which should be grafted on to Christianity.
This was pretty radical in those days for a young man.
Dr. Temple goes on to assert, that, although the coming
of Christ was a momentous stage in the world's history,
there was no limit set to human progress after his time, and
continues to develop his idea. Our essayist takes up the
virulent and unfair critics, and exposes their injustice, as
where for instance they carp over such a fine passage as this
from Dr. Temple: "The Hebrews may be said to have
disciplined the human conscience, Rome the human will,
Greece the reason and taste, and Asia the spiritual imagina-
tion." In order to show how unjust are their charges
against Dr. Temple, as implj-ing that Christianity and the
Bible are obsolete, he quotes him as saj-ing that "While a
few highly educated men here and there may look upon the
Bible as a thing of the past, he, Dr. Temple, considers that
the immediate work of our day is the study of the Bible."
These local controversies are of no importance now, except
as they illustrate the aspect of the time ; and we pass by the
comments in this sermon, only taking up what exhibits the
attitude of the minister on these questions.
In alluding to the essay on Bunsen's "Biblical Re-
searches ' ' he finds some fault with parts of it, and avers
that some biblical criticism does immediate harm, but yet in
the end is for the interest of truth. He acknowledges that
ANOTHER PARISH. 275
these severe critical studies are distasteful to himself, and
tend to injure the religious life. We quote his concluding
paragraph here.
" I cannot but think this critical study alone and of itself is of
singularly little worth. I feel, that, for the real understanding
of the Bible, I would give more for the opinion of a simple-minded
man of common sense and a warm, appreciative heart upon a thor-
ough reading of the Bible in his own language and with no other
help than is within the reach of all, than for most of the conclu-
sions of an acute philologist, who shall examine it merely in the
ordinary narrow system of critical research. Yet at the same
time the results of such research, when fully ascertained, are, in
their subsequent application, of the greatest use." . . .
In reviewing the third essay by Baden Powell, he goes
over the author's ground in regard to a belief in miracles ;
and, although he is not ready to agree with him in Ms treat-
ment of the question of the supernatural, he concedes one
point unhesitatingly, that these questions do not concern
morally the right or wrong, but simply truth or error. In
closing this part of his address, he says,
" I agree with the reviewer when he speaks severely of a cer-
tain sort of critical inquiry which begins with a predisposition
rather to find or invent difficulties than to clear them away. There
is, in our day, a frequent manifestation of a feeling fostering
peculiar ideas of enlightenment and progress, which make men
appear to d^ead nothing so much as to seem behind the times,
and willing to give up any thing, even though it might include
some sacred and vital truths, rather than incur the risk (of what
is deemed a monstrous reproach) of believing too much. I have
sometimes marvelled, when I have read the writings of some of
these, their wanton and seemingly exultant attacks on the Old
and New Testament, if they really mean what they seem to
imply, a desire to do away with the authority of that on which
the dearest hopes of man are based. But I find in this essay no
evidence of such a feeling : neither do I agree at all with those
who honestly, seeing difficulties themselves, decry as hypocrites
or cowards those who accept unwittingly and rest peacefully in
their faith. Our author only claims what in the name of truth
276 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
no one can gainsay, that we ought to respect honest doubt, and, as
we love the cause of religion, not dogmatically insist on defend-
ing grounds which prove to be untenable."
" Sunday. The day was so pleasant, that I thought I must
have an afternoon service at home. Preached about the apostle's
course in regard to the fugitive slave."
This text from Philemon shows how ready he was to take
advantage of the questions of the day in order to keep the
attention of his people. The sermon did not probably take
up the slave question politically, although he did not hesi-
tate to do so when a fitting time required ; but it was rather
a friendly talk in regard to the relations of employer and
employed, setting forth the real liberality and Christian
humanity of the apostle Paul's character, in spite of the
limitations of his age. But these afternoon sermons do not
seem to have been given with much zest. He says,
" There were just twenty-five persons present. I confess I did
not enjoy the service, or do my part with any heart. I felt that
most of those who were there came from respect to me and the
church, and it was wasting my strength. I felt quite strained and
wearied, with the fear before me of losing the next day for work.
It was little in itself, but too much when added to my morning's
preaching. . . . We have now ten days of very trying weather;
and, to close all, a fall of snow has come, blocking us up more
than at any previous time this winter. This forenoon I could not
go out, and sat down to write a sermon. ... I have written
nearly twenty pages to-day, besides shovelling snow, and doing
other things."
Here ends the first portion of his journal in the new home
at Somerville. We have seen, that, although he missed
some of the social advantages of the compact parishes where
he had formerly lived, he found new stimulus and freedom
in the fresher atmosphere of a small suburban communit}-,
which had a good deal of the simplicity and repose of coun-
try life. It gave him also the great advantages offered by
Cambridge and Boston, and the society of his brother min-
isters all around.
CHAPTER XXX.
CIVIL "WAR.
1861-1862.
Journey to Cincinnati. Exciting Scenes. Words to his Peo-
ple. Talk with Mr. Sparks. Major Anderson. War Ser-
mon. Visitation Day . Northern Defeat. Brave Words.
Death of a Relative. Committee Work at Home. Amer-
ican Unitarian Association.
A MONTH or two passes before he takes up his journal
-j^- again. Great events were happening in the country.
Men's private interests were put aside in the one absorbing
thought to save our country from bloodshed, or, if not, so
to comport ourselves as to preserve the Union, and at the
same time treat with moderation our erring Southern breth-
ren. But his journal will lead us on gradually to these mo-
mentous events.
" May 5, 1861. Since my last entry two eventful months have
passed, which I shall hardly try to record in full. . . . Dr. H
invited me to preach three Sundays in Cincinnati; and after due
deliberation we accepted, M and I, and started March 28. I
kept a little account of our visit in a diary. We returned amid
the excitement of the beginning of the war, reaching home April
19, the day again marked by the first shedding of blood. I
preached Sunday on the crisis. That Sunday was the trying day
of suspense, when we feared that Washington might be taken
before the morrow."
In order to see how his soul was tuned, and his heart beat
278 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
high, to the affecting movements of the time, we must cast a
few glances at the sermon which he gave his people that
week of his return.
He begins by alluding to the momentous change which
had taken place since he was last with them, and the start-
ling events which had come upon them. Their government,
which they had thought would endure for an unlimited time,
had been assailed ; and whereas they had always looked
with indifference on Europe as a vast military camp, and
smiled at their own army as only needed for holiday specta-
cles, now they heard the booming of cannon, the beginning
of no puny disturbance, but of a fearful war against their
existence as a nation. Everywhere through the length and
breadth of the land the sound of preparation was being
heard, and men talked together with indignation at the vio-
lent hands which had been laid upon the liberties of their
country. ' ' Ah 1 feel, ' ' he says, ' ' that it is no strife for suprem-
acy or for conquest, nor for glory, but for their free institu-
tions, their firesides, and their homes." He tells them how
impressed he was with the terrible earnestness of it all as
he passed through Springfield, and saw the men on their
way to the seat of war. He had seen the reception in New
York of Massachusetts men, and heard the shouts of wel-
come ; but when he stood there at the station-house in Spring-
field, and saw the men come in on the trains from another
detachment, their faces flushed with enthusiasm, and reach-
ing out their hands to receive the greetings and blessings of
the multitude, and heard their general's speech, and thought
of all the farewells, and the scenes before them, he felt the
terrible reality of war, and how, if it had been for any
unworthy purpose that they were going, or for mere tem-
porary aggrandizement, or for revenge, it would have been
impossible to say, " God-speed " to them. There was deter-
mined purpose and feeling in their faces ; they were young
men, and the}* knew that many of them might never return ;
and so the cheers were not like those he heard in the morn-
CIVIL WAR. 279
ing, but were softened with tender emotion. " My friends,"
he says,
" I am no apologist for war; and, though I never believed that
there might not be circumstances where it was justifiable, I cer-
tainly hardly expected ever to live to see the time when, in our
own country, an appeal to arms could meet a conscientious ap-
proval, least of all, the time when good men could ever be brought
to lend their sanction to a civil war. Before God, I believe, how-
ever, that that time has come. If the government on which the
dearest rights and liberties of us all depend ; if this government,
with all its beneficent consequences, is a sacred thing, then it is a
sacred duty to uphold and to defend it. ... I know not whether
all has been done that might have been done to avert the war.
I know not but that measures could have been taken by which
to satisfy the discontented portion of our land, without leading
them to this terrible resort. Doubtless, in the eye of God, we
are seen in many things to be, or to have been, in the wrong.
Never should we feel so confident that we are right, that we
should fail to mingle, with our prayers for success, petitions for
forgiveness for our own part in the sin. But, now that the strug-
gle has begun, I rejoice to believe that the justice of our cause
is made so plain. Moderation and forbearance have been so sig-
nally shown, as to have seemed weakness to those who have made
themselves our foes. And the unwillingness, which amounted
even to a horror, at the thought of shedding their brothers' blood,
from which our people have been roused as one man to this deter-
mined attitude of war, shows that it is no ebullition of an unwor-
thy passion, but something which their hearts and consciences
approve, and that they can call God to witness that their cause
is just."
He goes on to speak of the alleviating circumstances, the
fact that there was no personal enmity on our part, which
fact he thinks had something in it that was sublime. He
tells them how he had been over a large tract of country,
and seen the same spirit of indignation everywhere, and
determination to resist, but heard not a word of personal
hate, of sectional jealousy, but only a feeling of patriotism,
280 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
and devotion to the great republic. He compares, too, the
noble and generous emotions aroused, with the selfish, gloom}'
complainings a few weeks ago, at the prospect of financial
distress. The cannon that bombarded Fort Sumter awoke
strange echoes in the heart of the merchant. He speaks
of the princely generosity of man}- such men who at first
despaired, and now were ready to give their all for the
country ; of an old Virginia admiral, who said he had served
under that flag since he was a bo}*, and would give his for-
tune and life sooner than see it trampled on. . . . They
had no longer need to look back to the deeds of our
fathers, for the spirit of 1776 was equalled b}- the spirit of
1861.
He then speaks of the religious uses of the war, in the
reality it had given to the feeling of immortality. When a
man goes forth to risk his life, he is strengthened in his
heart by the thought that he is immortal. Another good he
sees in the new feeling of loyalty which has taken the place
of the love of gain, political intrigues, and the low ambitions
which had made it a saying abroad that republicanism had
failed, and in time of danger would have nothing to rely on.
" What a triumphant vindication of republican institutions it
was," he says, "to see the great outburst of public senti-
ment when our flag was insulted, and an American fortress
surrendered ! "
He quotes, as he recalls once more the scenes in all our
cities, those fine words of Milton where the poet speaks of
the vision that comes before him, " of a puissant nation,
rousing up, and shaking her invincible locks; " and with a
few more words of remembrances for those who have gone
from their midst, he commends them and the great cause
to the Almighty keeping.
" The day before, our citizens had accompanied the company of
soldiers from our own town, under Capt. Brastow, who set out
for Boston on their way South. It was a solemn day. The week
following was full of excitement. I preached the next Sunday for
CIVIL WAR. 281
Dr. Briggs. He gave a glorious patriotic sermon here. Salem is
fairly roused. Women are hard at work making clothing, prepar-
ing bandages, etc. ; and 'a corps of men are drilling for field-duty
in attending to the wounded soldiers, learning how to stop bleed-
ing, and to carry off the dead, etc. ... May 6. I went to
Boston in the morning on the same seat in the cars with Mr.
Emerson, and was interested by a little incident which showed the
though tfulness of the man, and pleased me much. The newspaper-
boy came round, and Mr. E took an ' Advertiser,' and gave
the boy a five-cent piece; and the boy gave him three cents back.
Mr. E was about to put it in his pocket, and open his paper,
when he looked in his hand, and called after the boy, ' Isn't " The
Advertiser " three cents? ' ' Two,' said the boy; and Mr. E
put the change in his pocket, and went on reading. Sunday, May
12. Our church anniversary. ... It was a very pleasant service.
... Wednesday. Went to Boston. The Maine regiment came
to Boston amid great excitement. President and Mrs. Sparks
called over here to see us. It seemed hard to him that this nation,
whose history he has made the study of his life, should be broken up.
Yet when I asked him how he thought Washington would have done
in Lincoln's place, he said he would have done the same, only he
would have been more warlike. Mr. Sparks told me some anec-
dotes of Major Anderson, whom he knows. He says he is a very
religious man, very quiet; and, as a specimen of him, says, when
some one was apologizing for excesses committed by soldiers in
battle, because they were excited by fight, he said, * Soldiers never
ought to fight under excitement ' He has had letters from him
from Sumter. In one he said, ' I know I am doing an unpopular
thing, but I believe I am doing right.' There is no parade of
words, but a silent and conscientious fidelity. ... I am getting
up a social meeting in the parish: only thirty present. But we
shall make it succeed."
He never was discouraged by obstacles, and we believe he
never croaked to his people. But, in such parish movements,
he did not judge of his success by numbers, but by the qual-
ity, of his meetings. A small corps of disinterested think-
ers or workers in a society have often a wide influence on
the Church and community. Those who do not attend the
282 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
ministers' call, at least know that there are such meetings ;
and perhaps in time they may be led to sacrifice some of their
hours of pleasure or secular avocations, to join in a social
discussion on morals and religion. The time had not come
yet for women to participate in the discussion ; but later there
were some social gatherings on the hill, where both men and
women took part.
" Sunday-school meeting. Very affecting. ... In the middle
of the evening it was announced that Cudworth had been ap-
pointed army chaplain, which led to speaking on the war, and the
other men who had gone, Woodbury and Babbage, etc. ...
Wednesday P.M. Business meeting of association, which I at-
tended, after having dined at Dr. Gannett's with J. F. Clarke,
Dr. Hedge, Dr. Hall, etc. Very pleasant dinner, of course. At
association meeting it was voted to change the organization and
give up for the year the secretary, and let Mr. Fox attend to office
duties, and the members of the board take turns in doing the
rest."
This looks like carrying us back to primitive times, when
the board " did its own work." We can hardly realize that
it is so short a time ago since things were done in this simple
way. The idea was not a bad one ; for an executive mis-
sionary board of this kind, ought not to leave all the work to
its secretary, and merely spend money, but should do some-
thing to raise it.
" June 2. Preached in Boston in the P.M. Had our social
meeting in church at home. Some cold water thrown on it, but,
on the whole, successful. We talked an hour and a half. ...
Tuesday. Rode with my father to see the encampment of the
First Regiment at Fresh Pond. We found the men in a very
sorry condition, in a wet and unhealthy place. ... It left a very
unhappy impression on us, and M urges me to help do some-
thing towards getting this place of encampment moved." . . .
In the month of June he preached a short sermon on the
text, " If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably
CIVIL WAR. 283
with all men," to answer the scruples of man} 7 in regard to
war. Here we see, at the outset of the war, the perfectly
sound ring of his moral nature, which allowed of no con-
fusion in his mind between our duty of national defence and
his love of peace and moral, rather than earthly, conquests.
Spiritual as he was, and free from worldly or national ambi-
tion, he was ready, without one qualm of conscience, to
buckle on his sword ; and nothing but his feeble health pre-
vented him.
He speaks first of those who think Christianity opposed to
war, and yet believe it right for us to engage in it, thus
having rules of duty higher than Christianity ; then of those
whose views, to his mind, are worse than these, those who
play tricks upon their conscience, not approving of war, but
saying that this is not a war, but only a rebellion, requiring
a police measure. If ever there was a war, he says, this is
one, with bloodshed and devastation. . . . He speaks of the
" immense evil" it is, to practise on our consciences by an
ingenious device, a worse injury to the national and indi-
vidual mind than war. A third class of persons he speaks
of, who believe, in thinking it over carefully, that this war
could not now be avoided without neglect of our duty, who
hope we shall be successful, and yet think it repugnant to
Christian principles ; and so they keep themselves aloof from
all participation in it. He quotes an eminent and valued
Christian man as saying, " that there were enough who were
ready to do the work, and he knew it would be done." He
thinks this is like being willing to receive stolen goods, with
the privilege of denouncing the crime. . . . Christianity can
ennoble any work which it can justify ; and we commit the
same error that we allow, with amusements, in giving them
over to the management of the unprincipled. He expresses
his profound sorrow for those who, far from being stimulated
by their supposed Christian principles, are sickening in a
state of indecision and unhealthy misgiving, and losing this
period of intense activity and quickening power when the
284 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
soul ought to live and develop more than in j r ears of ordi-
nary experience.
Such clear ideas between right and wrong, such plain dis-
tinctions, simply and directly put, issuing, as we have no
doubt they did, from many a New-England pulpit like this,
must have had a marked effect in calming the agitation of
conscientious or weak people, and impelling them to go forth
and do their duty.
A few days after the Fourth of July, the anniversary of
our national independence, he preached a sermon on our
reasons for hope and gratitude. He says,
"No other country on earth could have gone through such a
period, when we had for a time only the form of government left,
without a revolutionary change. Everybody abroad expected it.
But what did we see? For weeks the arm of the government was
paralyzed, the vast machine was left without control; and yet so
perfect was its adjustment, and so true the balance-wheel, that the
delicate machinery was kept in safety, and we saw the mighty
system go on alone, not an important wheel disturbed, and no
serious accident occurred. But, this crisis over, we saw next, not
only the endurance of our form of government, but the law-abiding
character of our people. Europe predicted that the filibustering
elements would get the better of our people, and destroy us. If
our people had been disposed to anarchy, anarchy would have come
at this time. What did we see? Not a hand was lifted. The
people were one united mass. Party-lines were forgotten. From
the profoundest peace, and inexperience in the art of war, we have
developed a stupendous military power which will compare with
that of the most warlike nation on the earth. A free people could
only do this, born and nurtured under wise institutions." . . .
Whatever we may say of the decline of public worship in
this age, we cannot believe, that, during the war at least,
there was any lack of power in the clergy of New England,
or that they had any less influence in shaping the nation's
destiny, than the old divines of the Puritan Commonwealth.
"July 16. Visitation Day at the Divinity School, Cambridge.
After the students' parts (of which the best and most especially
CIVIL WAX. 285
interesting to us, H. W. Foote's, was admirable), there was a very
interesting discussion of the great question of the day. Rev.
W. H. Channing apologized for the English people, saying that
they were all with us, whatever the government papers might say,
and some of the leading papers also. Some of our prominent
ministers declaimed against England ; but Dr. Hedge defended her
on the ground, that she had done no more than our government in
recognizing the rebels as belligerents, and that we could not stand
right before the world in claiming sympathy till we distinctly
avowed that the abolition of slavery was our aim. He said that
the act of the rebel States had annulled all binding obligation to the
Constitution, and that now we were justified in emancipating the
slaves, and he felt that it was time for us to do it. He was will-
ing for his words to go out before the nation. Dr. Stebbins spoke
very much further in the same direction, and the discussion was
exceedingly earnest and spirited. J. F. Clarke's sermon was very
able. . . . Tea with Dr. Francis.
" Vacation. Left home Monday, July 29, in the rockaway.
A lovely morning. Drove to Andover, and from there to Exeter,
then to North Conway, and afterwards through the Notch to Beth-
lehem, and then to Keene, where we had one of the pleasantest
visits since our marriage. Thursday, Aug. 16. Rev. Dr. Stearns
called, and dined with us. He came to ask me to go to Meadville
as professor."
We find a sermon written about this time when we were
smarting under the first victory of the rebels. Our pride,
our self-conceit, our apathy, were completely punished. The
sermon is on the text, " Whosoever will save his life shall
lose it ; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find
it."*
He begins by speaking of our self-confidence and our hu-
miliation, the danger which our capital had been exposed
to, and the homes which had been made desolate by the sol-
diers' deaths, and then of the great question of war, and
its sacrifice of human lives. He says,
" Through all nations it has always been the motto which has
ever been among the earliest and the most enduring on the lips
286 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
of the child and the sage, from the rudest antiquity to the latest
times, that it is glorious and becoming to die for one's country.
But, if we examine it in the light of Christianity, will our answer
be the same ? This is, as I said, the great difficulty with those
who oppose the propriety of war, on the ground that war violates
the great principle which they believe Christianity teaches, of the
sacredness of human life. Let us see how this may be."
He goes on to say that it is true that Jesus teaches, as no
one ever before had done, the sacredness of human life ; but
he says we must not forget what Jesus meant by life. He
continues,
" The evidence of life to him was not eating and drinking, and
moving about among the multiplied scenes and avocations of this
world, but the principles of love or hate, of purity or lust, of
generosity or avarice. In these inward sentiments of the soul con-
sisted life with him. . . . This estimate of life is yet more impres-
sive when it shows itself incidentally without his intending to
speak of it. Thus how often it happens in the Gospels that the
word life is used in such a way that you can hardly tell whether
it means this life or the eternal existence ; and sometimes, as in
the text, the same word is used in the same sentence as designating
both'. ... So far from teaching in the way that is so often as-
sumed the sacredness of life, Chi-ist teaches its comparative insig-
nificance whenever it is brought into connection with any thing
spiritual and eternal. " . . .
He asks then if the sacrifice of human life is realty the
greatest of the evils of war, and answers in the negative,
and goes on to speak of its immoralities and brutal passions
as far worse than the loss of life, and quotes the words of
Jesus, " Fear not them that kill the body," etc. It is not
the gospel, but a mistaken theology, that has given us false
ideas of life. When, he says, to the majority of the human
race, death ends forever all possibility of happiness or im-
provement, it is no wonder that men should have such a cling-
ing to life, and dread of death. Better than any arguments,
to combat such error, he adds, is a strong tide of living
emotion. He closes in this vein :
CIVIL WAR. 287
"When, in this present case, our brave men, thoroughly ani-
mated with a generous spirit of patriotism, all forgetful of self in
the ardor of their devotion to their country and their convictions
of the right, offered to go and die if need be for the nation's cause,
it was a true and mighty instinct within them, that had triumphed
over the instilled teachings of a false dogma; and through the
theology of the heart, which is truer than that of the intellect,
they almost unconsciously renounced the professed belief of years,
and practically avowed the very doctrine which I have claimed
that Jesus taught, that life is not to be regarded in comparison
with the eternal principles of truth and humanity, and that there
is hope enough beyond death to make them willing to leave the
future life with God."
He recognizes that many go into the contest from the love
of excitement, or occupation, or glory. "We appreciate
their heroic acts," he says ; " and, if they fall, we place their
names on our national tablets; but," he continues, "if we
are tempted to ascribe to them also the eternal crown of
Christian and spiritual manhood, let us forbear ! If from
love of glory a man will rush into the risk of the battle-field,
it is the glory that he values more than life. It is only of
him who will lose his life ' for my sake,' that our Saviour
declares that he shall find the life eternal."
" The past few days seem more encouraging, and signs of luke-
warmness on the part of the people are lessened. The papers
advocate obedience to the government, and not only strenuous
measures, but patience and sacrifice. Sept. 9. Have attended
a meeting of Sunday-school Society arranging for the convention.
The care of the paper has come upon me. . . . Every thing contin-
ues hopeful about the war. We saw Charles Peirson off with his
regiment from camp. I wonder all do not go who have health,
and who are not bound by strong ties and engagements at home.
I wrote a sermon last week on text, ' Lord, what wilt thou have me
to do? ' under a strong feeling of the joy of those who feel, that,
in going to this war, they go in obedience to God's will. ... I
could almost wish I could feel it my duty." . . .
We shall see that this impulse impelled him later to obtain
288 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
situations, by which he could at intervals, during the war, do
something for the moral and physical improvement of the
soldiers.
"Sunday, Sept. 15. Preached in Boston. Went to the Bethel
in P.M. Father Taylor closed with a prayer in which he seemed
wrestling with God, so full of nerve and intense earnestness was he,
almost weeping as he declared the fulness of divine love. ...
Friday. Wrote a sermon appropriate to Fast, which comes Thurs-
day. It was the shortest time I ever spent over a sermon, I
think. Saturday, Sept. 27. Returned at 3 P.M. from Keene.
Uncle S is very sick there. Monday, P.M., received a tele-
gram announcing that uncle S was sinking. Tuesday, at 7,
we started for Keene, and, on our arrival, learned that the worst
we had apprehended was true. Uncle S died Monday even-
ing, at 8 o'clock. His last hours had been marked by the same
unselfish care for others that had characterized all his life; and
he finally sank away, clasping the hands of his wife. The time
previous to the funeral was spent with our aunt and the girls,
and their serenity and calmness was wonderful. The funeral was
the most interesting I ever attended. Mr. White's remarks and
prayer were full of Christian cheerfulness and faith, and very con-
soling and elevating. I read the Scriptures. The citizens walked
in procession to the grave ; and there in a beautiful spot on the
bright September afternoon, with a few touching words from Dr.
George Ingersoll, they laid the good man away. It was a sad, but
an elevating and holy, week. . . .
" Oct. 17. The week has been occupied by the autumnal con-
vention in Boston. I have only attended part of the meetings,
but they have not been of ordinary interest: very little earnestness
was shown on the part of either laymen or clergy, and the audi-
ences were small. S preached a fine sermon."
This little jotting from a fair-minded man is certainly
something for those to note, who are in the habit of saying
that all the piety and enthusiasm is dying out of the Unitarian
denomination. Compare this autumnal convention which he
reports, with our biennial conferences at present. It looks
as though there had been for a few years past a lull in the
denominational life. Time was going to bring about a
CIVIL WAR. 289
change ; and perhaps this young minister had, with other
forces at work, something to do with it.
"Monday, Dec. 1. We spent Thanksgiving in Salem very pleas-
antly, and the N. H. Thanksgiving the following week in Exeter.
... I have had the church painted, and some trees planted, in ac-
cordance with my offer of $200 to the parish in hard times. . . .
The country has been excited by several instances of success,
the capture of Port Royal by our fleet, the arrest of Mason and
Slidell, the rebel ministers. . . . One of the worst features of the
public disposition has been the tendency to decry public men, and
vent dissatisfaction with what is done, instead of showing a confi-
dence in waiting for what they ought not to expect to see at once.
A troublesome question is now before our government, in regard
to the treatment of privateers. They took the ground at first that
they were pirates, very unwisely I think; for the general senti-
ment of the world has hardly advanced so far in fifty years, that it
will regard in such odious light now what our people so gloried in
during our last war. . . .
" Christmas. Our festival was quite successful. . . . Spent the
evening in teaching in the evening school we have here. It is
started by our Committee on Philanthropic Action, George Brack ett
at the head of it. ... Dec. 30. Temperance meeting of various
denominations."
The social organization in his church, of which he speaks,
was costing him a good deal of labor, and, as we see, met
with some discouragement at the outset ; but it was spread-
ing : and as we follow his work through, in Somerville, we
shall find that the people only needed rousing, and were
ready to be kindled by the earnest zeal of their pastor.
" I have many colds this winter, though otherwise stronger. I
went yesterday to a meeting of our Committee on Intemperance.
This committee has now swelled in its proportions, and changed
its character, becoming an association consisting of a committee
from each of the societies in town, with a constitution allowing
others to come in as speakers, but not acting or voting. It meets
in the police-court room, and promises important results. ... I
went to the Boston Association of Ministers. The discussion
290 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
turned on the advantages of associations, and the A. U. A. in par-
ticular, with two distinct sides. . . . On the whole, it seems to
me evident that there is a re-action in the interest in the A. U.
Association ; and it is probably losing its influence. I regret it, for
it seems to me there is great use in it; and though it may be as
Mr. B quotes from Schiller's 'William Tell,' ' The strong is
strongest when alone,' we do all feel strength from an associ-
ation."
He knew, as we all do, that there is nothing against an
association because it is an association : the main thing is, is
it an association for good, and are its officers something more
than faithful and conscientious men? Are they energetic,
aggressive, live workers? He was soon to show, in this very
Association, that it makes little difference what a society is
called, or what its reputation for dulness may have been, as
soon as a vigorous man gets hold of it. But we will not
anticipate.
" Feb. 22. Preached to-day in Woburn. Had cold and cough.
M tried to have me give it up. My bad health has of late
kept M planning and anxious, and me miserable or indolent;
but she has taken me in hand now, enforcing obedience to strin-
gent rules, and we hope better things. The past week was filled
with victories for us, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, the evacuation
of Missouri, and the general progress of our cause. Every one
looks here upon the Rebellion as essentially defeated, although
yesterday was the inauguration of Jefferson Davis at the South."
His treacherous cough was beginning to make its appear-
ance again. It would not do to disregard it. We must not
wait for invalids to take care of themselves. Their eagerness
often for work leads them to procrastinate in regard to their
health ; and some one else, either the doctor or a near friend,
must lay down the law. It was in the early spring. A
journey South would break up all his plans ; but could he find
a place at the North at this chilly season? Perhaps so.
A change is, after all, the main thing for a debilitated person.
We do not estimate highly enough the value of little vaca-
CIVIL WAR. 291
tions. "We think only of climate, and expose the patient to
a long journey, and the break-up of his work, when some
simple alteration in his mode of life or surroundings might
aid nature without anj r risk to strength or spirits. So they
thought, and looked round for the best place that offered
itself. We will let him go on with the story.
" March 7. We are ready to start Monday morning for a vaca-
tion-visit to Keene and Northampton. It is chiefly for a change
for me that M is going, and she proposes that I shall try the
water-cure . . . Yesterday we had the first trial of our Somer-
ville Mission for giving employment to poor women. It was very
promising. . . .
" March 20. Returned from our trip. We left home Monday
the 10th. Spent the night at Springfield, and then went to Round
Hill Water-Cure. The two following days the weather was clear
and bracing, and satisfied me as to the relative superiority in
climate over our own seacoast in the winter. . . . The doctor pre-
scribed for me ' two paces,' ' a dripping-sheet,' a medicated bath, a
chemical bath, cupping, and electricity." . . .
Whether it was the virtue of the water-cure S3*stem, or,
what is more likely, the fine air, the change, regular exer-
cise, coarse diet, etc., he improved in health: his appetite
came up, and he ate vigorously of the plain food set before
him. One would have supposed that such harsh treatment
might have been dangerous for weak lungs ; but a poor di-
gestion was, in his case, the aggravating cause of local
disease ; and any course that roused his system to action
was sure to benefit the other organs.
" Mr B , on behalf of our temperance committee, asked me
to-day to preach on temperance next Sunday. All the ministers
in town are invited to do so, as a means of influencing the
election. . . . Sunday P.M. Meeting to hear reports of com-
mittees. The whole meeting was a great success, and most en-
couraging."
Such committees as these were more rare then than now
in religious societies. He had always a faculty for setting
292 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
other people to work ; but he had not attempted any thing of
the kind in the two other parishes with which he was con-
nected, partly because they were old societies, and less flexi-
ble, and probably had their own channels of benevolence, and
partly because he was young, and too prudent to attempt rad-
ical changes at once. But in this fresh society, where there
was a good deal of social equality, none being poor, or very
rich, his talent for organized action came out. We find these
committees all laid out in his parish-book, and also more full
reports of this meeting, which encouraged him so much.
The organization on temperance, which became general, had
a wonderful success. They used no threats with the small
liquor-dealers, but went round among them, showing them
the evil of their work, and brought such a strong public
opinion against them, that each one said he would give up
if so and so would give up. That was natural, for one or
two should not have the advantage over all the others. The
good work went on, the dram-shops were closed, and the
churches felt a new self-respect and courage. It seems pain-
ful to look at the other side of this picture. The parish com-
mittee-work left, we believe, its permanent traces upon the
well-being and activities of the church : but the temperance
reform, after a year or two, languished ; the town grew larger,
and new boards of officers ignored the question, and all the
old evils returned. Our minister saw this with deep disap-
pointment, but his own work was enlarging in other direc-
tions. He had no time to push up town-councils to their
duty ; although we believe he stated frankly to them, that
they had lost the finest opportunit}* ever prepared by the
community for its executive officers to effect a great reform.
"May, 1862. Anniversary day in our church and Sunday
school. There were pieces and singing by the children, and ad-
dresses. The church was crowded. I have just finished paint-
ing the church, and the work about the grounds, using up my
promised two hundred dollars ; and to-day I invited any who felt
CIVIL WAE. 293
disposed to meet me there to-morrow, and bring shrubs, etc., to
set out . . . Last week wrote two sermons. Newspapers are full
of the success of our arms. This anniversary day, and the con-
sciousness of pleasant relations with the people, and their evident
interest in me, make me feel that I have not been here in vain,
and that I am really more deeply fixed, as regards their feelings
and my own, than ever before since I came among them. ...
Tuesday, May 27. Anniversary week. Father and mother came.
I was chairman of the committee at business meeting. W. H.
Channing gave the sermon. Festival pleasant. Dined at Dr.
Gannett's."
New events are approaching ; and we close this already
long chapter to enter upon different scenes in the next, which
develop fresh elements in the minister's character.
CHAPTER XXXI.
JOY IN THE HOME.
1862-1863.
Birth of a Daughter. Enlistments. Three Hundred Thousand
more. Addresses the Men on Prospect Hill. Fare well to
Soldiers in Church. Sermon on Sunday. Address at Lit-
erary Union. Temperance Successes. Letter to Discon-
tented People. Parish Sympathies. Club Dinner. Drafted
for the War.
WE open another chapter with new and untried respon-
sibilities, which changed the face of the home, and
broke up for a while its even tenor with an unrest which was
erelong going to subside into that sunny element of joy
which childhood brings into the dwelling. We quote here
and there a line from his journal, not giving, however, all the
patient jottings which were daily made of the convalescence
of the mother.
"Monday, June 9, 1862. The birthday of a daughter. . . .
Yesterday being rainy, I had a small congregation, and had there-
fore a less fatiguing day than usual ; so that I was better prepared
for this event. Every thing seems a reason for thankfulness. I
have written fourteen letters announcing the news. . . . Mon-
day, June 16. Baby sleeps all the time. M is improving.
Yesterday preached for Mr. H at Cambridgeport. Heard Dr.
Peabody's bacchalaureate sermon at the college-chapel. Received
a vote of thanks from our society at their annual meeting for what
I have done to the church and grounds. . . . Monday, July!.
Baby four weeks old. Weighs nine and a half pounds. . . . Sat-
urday evening we had a very spirited town-meeting. Mr. Brastow
JOY IN THE HOME. 295
presided. It was to take measures to secure enlistments in re-
sponse to the call for three hundred thousand men. Mr. Tyler was
one of the first in our society to pledge himself for the amount of
money required to be paid by the town in giving a bonus for the
enlistments. ... I made a speech which the papers to-day say was
' spirited and patriotic.' Meetings were being held in Cambridge,
Salem, and most of the neighboring towns. Sunday, after the
service, I went to Rainsford in a boat sent for me; had the ser-
vice for the soldiers on my arrival, with an audience of fifty
persons. Monday the day was perfect, and the sail home superb.
Dr. Peirson is just recovering from illness."
We find his little sermons for the afternoon ; one series
being on the life of Paul, others on the translation and ori-
gin of the Bible, the old patriarchs, etc. They are written
and sewed up with the neatness of a morning discourse, only
there is no text appended to them. He sometimes showed
a noCivet^ in the choice of his texts and Scripture reading.
For instance, at one time farther back than the present date,
when the church-fence was in an unfinished condition, and
in danger of remaining so, he took for his text, " These men
began to build, and were not able to finish." We remember
the smile with which the business men of the parish com-
mittee greeted each other on going out, sa3'ing, "We shall
have to take this hint, and go to work."
" Tuesday. Visitation Day at Cambridge. The parts were, as
a whole, above the average. . . . The discussion in p M. was on
the war and the ministry. ... I spoke, to draw out others on
the question, what we ought to do as ministers ; and I made the
announcement, which I believe is right, though it seemed to take
some by surprise, as it did me when I learned it, that the clergy
are liable to be drafted. I spoke of it as a thing I was glad of,
and said it was a pity so few of us were able-bodied men.
"Wednesday. Commencement Day at Cambridge. . . . People
feel pretty blue about the war. Enlisting goes on slowly. There
must be drafting if they want the quota. It is a bad season for
recruiting; and the return of so many sick, and the awful results
of these battles, keep men back. Thursday. George William
296 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
Curtis delivered the oration, a plea for liberty to all, full of fer-
vent eloquence, rich language and thought, thrilling in some of its
passages, winning what was better than applause, the breathless
sympathy of the audience. . . . The recruiting seems to drag,
and it looks as though the money offered for volunteers was hav-
ing an effect the opposite of that desired. Men think it must be
something awful to enter, and complain of these rich ones as
hiring them to go and be shot. Sunday, 20th. I yesterday
began a sermon for next week, on our duties in regard to the
war. People are evidently feeling very badly on the subject,
and I am myself very anxious to know what is my own duty :
sometimes I think I am well enough to venture ; and, if so, ought
I not to go ? ... I have great reason for gratitude that M
has done so well through her sickness. . . . My sermon seemed
to take well. Mr. P copied out a portion, and sent to ' The
Transcript,' where it appeared a column long last evening. . . .
Friday. We had a most spirited mass-meeting under the flag-
staff by the post-office, last evening, with eloquent speaking by
our own citizens, and some from abroad. There was pretty deep
feeling apparently, but the enlistments don't come on yet as they
ought I have felt very despondent, for the first time during the
war. I don't mean, if I can help it, to despair of the republic, but
keep up heart, and try to encourage others, if I can do nothing
else.
"Monday, July 28. My vacation has begun. Saturday even-
ing at the open-air meeting under the flag-staff I spoke. . . . The
enlistments are very slow. To-night news comes that three hun-
dred thousand more men are called for, and that drafting will
begin. . . . The war-excitement continues. Last night there was
a very large gathering on Prospect Hill, where the company, now
full, has encamped. Speakers were expected from abroad, but
they failed; and I was called on with others of our own townsmen
to speak. I told the story of our Nile-flag, as showing the pro-
tecting power of our national standard all over the world."
We recall vividly the exultation with which he would tell
us how, when in Egypt, and exposed to the craftiness and
imposition of petty local officers, they had only to run up
the flag on their Nile-boat, and by a few words and signs
show them that the majesty of a great nation was repre-
JOT IN THE HOME. 297
sented there, which would not overlook any wrong done to
its citizens, and the autocrat of the place succumbed at once.
" Went to Farm School. Am tempted to take one of the boys
to be a help on my place. After returning, Capt. Brastow came to
invite me, in behalf of the committee, to preach a war-sermon
to the soldiers in camp on Prospect Hill.
"Sept. 14, 1862. We returned Friday from a four- weeks' ab-
sence. Went first to Salem. I came back on Sunday to preach
to the soldiers on Prospect Hill. The afternoon was fine, and the
audience large. I enjoyed the service, though the difficulty of
making myself heard prevented the effectiveness of speaking
which comes from modulation of the voice. On the whole, it was
gratifying to me; and I have since heard that one person at least,
who is now a member of our company, refers his decision to the
effect of my discourse. ... Sunday. We returned Friday from
Beverly, and Mr. W called to say that our company would
like to come this Sunday to hear me preach. So I had to prepare,
and to-day I preached to them."
This simple address shows perhaps as well as any other,
the warm, S3 r mpathetic emotion with which he brought him-
self to the heart of the soldiers in our great contest ; and
we will therefore quote a few passages from it :
" I believe there is no position on earth more noble, more fitted
to satisfy the heart, than that of those, who, from the right mo-
tives, such as I believe have actuated most of you, stand in
arms to-day for their country's defence. . . . For one, I envy you,
as I look upon you thus ready to depart. I feel that it is a privi-
lege to go. Could I but do as my heart inclines, I would follow
by your side. Would to God, for their own sakes, as well as our
country's, that many who still hesitate, and who have no sufficient
reason to keep them at home, may feel the contagion of your
example, and become sharers of your joy 1 There is no extrava-
gance, or mere obedience to impulse, in these feelings: on the con-
trary, my first thought is always upon the sacrifices it has cost
them. It is only because, when I calmly and deliberately reason
upon it, I so clearly see that the duty and satisfaction lie so unmis-
takably together, that I thus urge upon others, and would so
298 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
gladly accept for myself, the position which you have assumed.
I feel sure that every one who seriously considers it will think the
He goes on to speak of the sorrows of partings, and dan-
ger and death.
" Who that has felt or sympathized with the thrill of pride and
honorable joy which, after the temporary pang has subsided, for-
ever rewards those who can claim among their country's dead a
father or a son, especially when we remember that death and
separation must some time occur, and those who timidly and self-
ishly stay from the battle-field may perish at home, who would
rob those who have this ennobling privilege of their lot, though
he could restore to them, instead, him who has fallen, and a few
more years of a quiet aud less generous life with all its uncer-
tainties? "
He then speaks of the religious sentiment which actuates
the true soldier in the cause of right and humanity, and
reminds them how all the noblest heroes who have served
their country in the past have first given themselves to God.
He next takes up the justice and sacredness of the cause
itself, and reminds them that all the world is looking on to
see whether the government of the people shall succeed, or
fail. . . . One of the largest States in the Union was now
so threatened, that the whole population was called to arms.
The Queen City of the West was hotly contended for. Its
inhabitants were in dismay lest it should become a prey to
the ravages of war. If the time had not come for them
to act, it would never come. Would they be recreant to the
call?
He turns then to the congregation, whose sermon he had
interrupted to address the soldiers, and says,
"I cannot close without saying a word to you, my friends, in
regard to the character of these who have come to take leave of us
to-day. . . . There is a feeling of amazement, as we consider the
character and position of the men who are now making up the
JOY IN THE HOME. 299
material of our uew army; and this one company in both these
regards will stand among the best. But what shall we say ? Shall
we tell them that we cannot let them go ? No. Though there shall
join them yet more of our choicest men, we will rather bid them
God-speed, and feel that they are best serving us and our church,
and our home and schools, by leaving them for a while, and up-
holding that on which these institutions all depend. And let us
add also the promise that we will, so far as we may, take up the
work which they have left. Let us say to them, ' Go; ' and, by all
that is sacred, we pledge ourselves that we will not be idle or
useless, even if we do not share in the' dangers ; and we will wel-
come them, on their return, to institutions whose prosperity shall
prove that they have not suffered in our hands. [He turns again
to the soldiers.]
1 ' ' We ask of you only, as we thus give you our promise and our
blessing, that you will guard yourselves. You are dear to us, and
no sacrifice we can make can be so great as the loss of your virtue
or your lives. Guard your health. . . . Guard your characters by
keeping habits of strict virtue, and especially by cultivating a reli-
gious faith. . . . Watch over and help each other. ... If any
of your number go astray, shall you, through a guilty conscience,
hear the words following you through the world, ' Where is Abel ?
Where is thy brother? ' With the weapons and the discipline and
the courage that shall make you effective as others, put on the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day,
and, having done all, to stand. And now farewell. The day is
cold and wet and dismal. No sunshine cheers your tents ; but all
is cheerless and dreary, fit emblem of the aspect of our national
sky. But as we know, that perhaps even the very morrow's sun
will clear the storm away, and bring warmth and joy again, so
certain it is, that the sunshine of peace shall sooner or later rise
once more upon our land, and plenty shall smile again, and all our
hearts be glad. Then we will welcome you home again with glad-
ness and triumph on your brows."
" The congregation was small; but I enjoyed the preaching, and
it seemed to give good satisfaction. I thought it would be well to
show, as a society, a little regard for those who are going from
among our own number: and I asked the congregation to remain;
we had an interesting discussion, and it led to my asking the
300 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
parish to come to my house to-morrow evening to meet the young
men, and give them a little present, which I am appointed on a
committee with Mrs. A and Mrs. R to procure.
" Oct. 9, 1862. The occasion referred to came off, and proved
very pleasant. The presentation of Bibles was made, and all
seemed pleased. The next day the company left for Wenhain
Camp, and I was asked to offer prayer in the square when they
went." . . .
Here are one or two passages from a sermon he wrote at
this time on Sunday :
" It may be said that there is no real difference in days. But
there is a difference ; and that sort of cool, practical knowledge
which would deny it, is ignorant of some of the greatest realities.
There is just as much difference between a day hallowed as Sun-
day may be by sacred associations of childhood, and separated
from the week by the habits of observance developed by care in a
Christian home, and a day such as Sunday is in many families,
as there is between any tree in the forest and the particular tree
in our father's yard, in whose branches we have climbed and
swung, and on whose trunk we had our seats, and which brings
up now, when we visit it, emotions we never have elsewhere.
"The fact is, sentiment and feeling do add to any thing what
is as real as though it could be handled and weighed; and these,
if cultivated by habits and education, may give to the authority
and value of Sunday and the Church a real and wholesome aid.
It is sheer folly to say that the Church and the Sunday are good
only just in proportion as the words or experience they afford are
good, and that the same things other days would be just the same.
We may train ourselves so to regard the day, that it will lend
sanctity and efficacy to whatever its services may be."
He believed that ministers ought to encourage earnestly
with reasonable amendments the old habits which the age
was throwing aside, and also to guard the dignity of their
profession, not for their own sake, but for the sake of their
influence as religious teachers.
Most of his sermons and addresses are so linked together
by the thread of his argument, that it is difficult to separate
JOT IN THE HONE. 301
the parts. Perhaps this was the reason he kept the atten-
tion. People were insensibly led along to the gradual un-
folding of his thought, stopping here and there for him to
balance his forces by replies to the candid imaginary critic,
or to give an illustration, but going with him straight on to
the end, the summing-up of the whole. He was rarely ever
long : he brought them to his point ; and, before they expected
it, he was done. This brevity, directness, and immediate
practical application, were always more or less apparent in
his addresses and sermons ; but, in middle life, he felt more
the importance of it, both to speaker and hearer, than when
he was young. People of thoughtful minds, without much
opportunity for reading, in former times enjoyed an eloquent
and richly elaborated discourse : it was mental and spiritual
refreshment to them. But reading- people now want some-
thing that takes immediate hold on their consciences : the
busy man also, with his brain over- fatigued, cannot bear
much strain on his faculties, but needs simply to be turned
off from his engrossing pursuits, by a few direct appeals to
his higher nature. So we believe our minister felt, after a
year or more of life in his suburban parish.
" Tuesday, Dec. 7. The Association met here. Pleasant, but cold.
Good time. Discussion interesting. Some of them disagreed with
the statement that the influence of ministers and the pulpit had
declined. . . . Last Wednesday I gave an introductory address at
the opening of the ' Literary Union ' in Somerville, which was well
received, and, though not much in itself, will probably secure the
continuance of the society." . . .
In speaking of discussion, he says to the young people,
" Do not believe, that because, in your own chosen occupation,
there seems to be no need of your being able to debate in public,
or to declaim with grace, or to use a quotation, therefore there is
no advantage in spending time or labor in exercises like these. No
one knows in this country what he may be called upon to do before
he dies. Possibly these experiences here may be precisely the ones
to aid us in meeting an important duty. But, aside from this, if
302 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
the facility acquired is never used, it is enough that it has made
us, as men and women, more complete."
He speaks especially of the social advantages the} 7 gain,
quite different from reading and studying, in watching their
own growth from day to day, and stimulating each other's
talents by generous emulation, without any taint of envy or
jealousy of each other's powers.
" January, 1863. Went to Boston to hear Dr. Walker preach
the election sermon. His subject was, the cause of our national
troubles. He thought that slavery and anti-slavery were not the
causes, but something back of that, a decline of civic virtues,
want of loyalty, want of reverence for law, shown in a decline of
interest in the government, partly in the ' higher-law ' feeling, etc.
Some of the faults of the people he portrayed well, and the sermon
was excellent; but I wondered if the change was all in me, that
it did not seem entirely overwhelming, as his preaching used."
The doctor, unerring as his moral instincts were, and
vigorous and eloquent as he always was in expressing them,
was growing old ; and his naturally cautious disposition made
him unable to look through a sea of necessary bloodshed to
the final triumph of the right. It was not to be wondered
at, that the ardent young man, who so admired and revered
his master, could not stay back with him.
" Parish-circle met here. I preached Sunday on the conditions
of peace, a sermon closing with some allusion to the emancipa-
tion proclamation. . . . A grand temperance event in our town."
This event traced its origin to that committee in his
church, Sunday afternoon, which he labored so hard to keep
in action, and which at length roused the other churches on
the subject of temperance, as we have before stated. It is
with a feeling of sadness that we record these facts, and see
the present condition of our cities and towns ; but we ought
to be hopeful, feeling that what man has done, man can do.
We quote these records of success just as he writes them :
" Forty-two liquor-dealers signed a pledge, agreeing from to-day
JOT IN THE HOME. 303
to give up the sale. It is a pretty remarkable movement, and I
preached upon it to-day. Mr. B y has been the chief actor.
It has been working on for more than a year. This sudden con-
summation has been a surprise to everybody, and the few who
have heard of it can hardly believe in the genuineness of it. Very
likely the signers and movers hardly meant to commit themselves
to any very great thing; but if we can, by taking it up eagerly,
hold them fast to it, we may make it a permanent thing. That
was my motive in preaching on it to-day. ... I went a few days
ago to talk with Mr. . I had a very friendly conversation
with him. He keeps an objectionable place. I told him that here
was an opportunity for him to do much good, that he was person-
ally liked, etc. , and I wanted him to take a decided stand in the
matter. I told him I thought it would not be so much of a sacri-
fice as he thought; that I had never bought groceries of him on
principle, but should if it were not for this, and I believed many
others would say the same. He took it in a friendly way. To-day
several of those most excited against having the minister touch
upon reforms, expressed hearty co-operation with the views of my
sermon; and I have reason to feel gratified at the result. Friday
evening. Had a meeting of Bible-class at our house; about four-
teen present. . . .
"May 15, 1863. Anniversary Sunday was a success. My
morning sermon also resulted in the most gratifying of my experi-
ences as a pastor. Mr. came and told me of the effect of my
sermon on him, and what a complete change he felt it had made
in him in the renewal of his nature, and in his way of looking at
his business, and manner of carrying it on. lie was ready to give
up his most profitable gains, flattering as they were, as far as he
felt that they were not strictly right. I will not write down here
all he said and did, but I cannot help remembering the date of so
remarkable an experience. ... He went away glad, but subdued;
and my further conversation with him proves that he has carried
out fully in his conduct every good resolution." . . .
Here comes a letter to a society which wanted to change
its pastor, and we see how he gently reasons with them.
He says,
. . . "It seems worth while to be careful that nothing happens
304 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
which shall be unpleasant to you both. Meantime is it not true
that the extent of dissatisfaction has been magnified to you, as is
often the case at its first breaking out? The existence of it will
take the denomination by surprise. Have you enough considered,
on the one hand, the impossibility of having a minister without
some great faults, and, on the other, the difficulty (in case Mr.
leaves) of finding just now any man who would thoroughly satisfy
the demands of a vigorous and intelligent and (in its best sense)
critical society like yours? . . .
"Wrote a sermon yesterday, in about three hours, on death, to
preach to-morrow, as an appropriate sermon after a loss in the
society."
We remember how, on the occasion of every death in his
parish, he not only alluded to it in his prayers, but preached
an appropriate sermon. No people were less exacting than
his. He was under no obligation to do these things ; but he
felt that the great power of a Christian minister lay in his
bringing himself into contact with the experiences of his
people, and not only that, but also that his immediate influ-
ence as a preacher was vastly increased by his taking advan-
tage of every event in the parish, to illustrate the profound
truths of life and death.
"July 8, 1863. Had a little dinner-party for what is likely to
develop into a club. E. J. Young invited me to his house a few
weeks ago, to meet Murray and Diman (Orthodox). Yesterday I
invited them all here, inviting also H. Foote and Mr. Ropes, who
did not come, and Mr. Read (Swedenborgian), who came. We
had a fine time. We are going to read ' Agamemnon ' together. . . .
" Saturday, July 11. I am drafted for the war. I do not yet
know what course I shall take in regard to it, but pray that I may
be guided aright. I expected to have an exchange until this after-
noon, and have now to prepare my sermon."
We shall see in another chapter how he satisfied his desire
to do some service at the seat of war.
CHAPTER XXXII.
LIFE IN CAMP.
1863-1864.
Letter to Gov. Andrew. Chaplaincy at Long 1 Island. Short
Sermons to the Men. Trip to South Carolina. Return.
Accounts of his Visit to the Army, etc. Shipboard. South-
ern Ruin. Sanitary Commission. Richmond Battles. Ear-
nest Sermon. Thanksgiving Discourse.
WE find a break in his journal here, from July until
October, owing to the irregularity of his life, and
the necessitj- of keeping up his interest in two places. He
had felt a great desire all through the war to take some part.
We discover among his papers a copy of a letter without
an} T date, addressed to Gov. Andrew, which seems to show
that man}- of his neighbors had a similar feeling, a longing
to do something for their country in the great contest.
" The undersigned, citizens of Somerville, express their regret
that they cannot pass a medical examination, and be accepted as
recruits, but ask if there may not be something which they can
do, some situation in which, as soldiers, they can be of use. They
do not desire to be spared the dangers or hardships of war; and,
although some of them are incapacitated for laborious service, oth-
ers may in time become inured to it. They desire no monthly
pay, but only arms and subsistence, grateful to be allowed to
serve their country. They ask, in behalf of the thousands, who,
like themselves, are ready to serve in this way, whether, in case
such a regiment were formed, it would be accepted."
This letter evidently emanated from his mind and heart ;
306 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
but others doubtless took the contagion from him, and were
ready to sign their names. He received at length, as we
shall see, the invitation to go to Long Island.
" Monday, Oct. 17, 1863. My diary has been very briefly kept
lately in my pocket-book, but only as it relates to my camp-life.
I can now only mention, that, after the last entry, we have had
our summer vacation, spending three weeks in Grantville, two in
Chester, the last very pleasant. Just at the close of vacation came
to me from George W. Fox, on behalf of the A. U. Association, an
application for me to go to Long Island as chaplain, with consent of
Gen. Devens. M at once favored it. It seemed well to satisfy
my longings to do something for the war: they were strong from the
first, and were stronger now, from my having been drafted, and
found unfit. So I accepted. I refused compensation, and came on
my own account; as it was only an experiment, and Gen. Devens
and others felt that it was doubtful how far it would be found
useful. My record of it is in my minute-book, and my sermon
preached Oct. 11. I am writing now in my room on Long Island,
upper story, N.-E. corner, candle in bottle, bedstead of slats
nailed together; chairs and table, and boxes and barrels in which ,
books have been sent to me, cluttering the room. Last week
went to convention in Springfield. Fine time. ... I came to the
island to-day, intending to give up my labors here, as it is unsatis-
factory to be only half the time here. But, just before I came,
M and others advised against it ; and I never find her counsel
wrong, so I shall try it a little longer."
We have found one of the little sermons which he pre-
pared for the soldiers when at Long Island, Mass. It is
upon influence. After speaking to them of the power of our
social relations and affections, the tie that binds the soldier
to his home and neighbors, he says, " We are apt to think
that we are accountable for what an influence is, whereas
we are accountable for as much as it is in our power to make
it." He tells them how they are living in peculiar relations
to each other, more intimate than brothers at home. A
soldier said to him, " It makes a man feel for another, to be
together in a long campaign ; and, as for a battle, if two men
LIFE IN CAMP. 307
go into it offended with each other, if they come out of it
safe they are friends." He asks them if there is not some
one within their reach who is going wrong. ' ' Help each
other," he says, "to be strong, help each other to resist
temptation, speak kindly words of counsel, and the recom-
pense shall be great."
We find here a long space in his journal, from October
until March. His systematic habits were somewhat broken
by outside work : he had more letters to write, his body was
growing languid, and it was perhaps an additional burden
at night to get out his diary. We will follow him as far as
he goes, and before long shall have to resort to his letters
to friends, his pamphlets, and newspaper reports, to find out
what he is doing.
" March 6, 1864. My diary seems to be of little use; but I am
troubled with ennui, and will make a slight record for occupying
time. My health all winter has been quite remarkable. I had a
trip in November and December to South Carolina, and came back
better than for some years."
We find a sermon preached to his people on his return,
during the interval, which will help us to fill out his diary.
He begins with his usual thoughtfulness, first by recalling
to their minds the fact that death had been there. He
alludes tenderly to two households where a brother had been
taken, and especially to another home where a valued lady
had been called away, who was known to them all, and
whose services and devotion to the church would be deeply
missed. He then gradually leads them on, through the be-
reavements of war, to the fields of work which he has recently
visited at the South. He speaks of the momentous times in
which they are living, and even touches directly upon that
part of the country where he has been, the character of our
soldiers there, and the effects of the sanitary system. He
says he will give them a slight sketch of his trip before
offering them the result of his observations. We quote :
308 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
" I sailed, as you know, from Boston Harbor in a steamer loaded
with conscripts from the Long-Island camp. I think, that, on the
whole, such a voyage as that must show one about the least agree-
able feature of army-life. If you have ever seen a transport-ship
prepared for troops, you know that the first thing sought for is
economy of room. And in the dark between-decks and hold of the
ship, bunks are arranged so as to accommodate the largest possible
number of men Into these, tiers above tiers, the men are stowed,
with nothing but their blankets and their knapsacks. Among our
companions were many excellent men, but a large proportion were
otherwise; and many were of the most desperate character, robbing
their comrades, and watching an opportunity to cheat. When
fairly at sea, in stormy days, with half the company sea-sick, if
you could have gone down into the hold, and walked about in the
filth, anftd the cursing and wrangling that even sickness could not
stop, you would have as disagreeable a picture as you could wish
to see. There is something noble and even cheerful about a hos-
pital; there is something in the terrible hardships and privations
of a dangerous march or a weary siege, where men, linked to
each other by the experience of camp, endure together, and sup-
port each other by the sympathy of brave wills, something that
is stimulating and pleasant to remember; but there is no poetry,
at the best, about such a huddled mass of profane, sea-sick men.
"We had an opportunity also to learn something, on board the
ship, of army discipline. We had a knot of men on board who
conspired together in many quiet plots, but were finally caught in
the act of lowering a boat to escape, after having stolen large sums
of money from others ; and the sight of men tied up by their thumbs
till ready to faint from the pain, gave a forcible illustration of the
way by which obedience, that first quality of a soldier, is obtained.
It is a hard lesson for many to learn, and sometimes one is led to
cry out against the extreme severity of the measures; but it is
not only justified by the necessity for the service, but by the happy
effect of the habit on the man himself. I know of nothing pleas-
anter than to see the obedience of the well-disciplined soldier,
even when the command would lead him to certain death. There
is nothing degrading in it. It is itself a kind of mastery over
one's own will, in which a man may honestly take a pride. Block-
ading vessels chased us at times, and roughly stopped us by the
shot across the bows, and boarded us to make sure that we were
LIFE IN CAMP. 309
no unlawful vessel taking in contraband supplies. And in the
morning of the second day we were among the fleet of monitors and
ironsides and transports, in full view of Sumter and Moultrie,
and our army on the island, and saw the first show of actual war-
fare in the shot and shell fired at each other from Moultrie and
Gregg. We landed on Folly Island, and proceeded across this
island through a grove of palmettos and magnolias, and live-oaks
and cypresses, to the ferry which transported us to Morris Island,
which has seen most of the hardship and danger of the cam-
paign.
" This island is nothing but marsh and sand. . . . Here I spent
nearly a week, with ample facilities for visiting all the objects of
interest there. We have, I suppose, fifteen or twenty regiments
on this island, most of them sadly thinned, and averaging hardly
five hundred men. On Folly Island we have nearly as many more.
Most of them have passed through as severe a campaign, as regards
danger, labor, and unhealthy exposure, as any of our armies have
undergone. From Morris Island I went by steamer to Hilton
Head. Here Admiral Dupont, by his bold and skilful manoeuvre,
silenced the forts on both sides, which the people regarded as
their impregnable defence, and so caused a hurried flight of the
inhabitants. Hilton Head is the great depot for supplies. . . .
The sand in the air here is very disagreeable. Here government
business is done; and there is a great deal of faithful work, and
also much chicanery and fraud. From there it is a pleasant sail
to Beaufort, a beautiful place with stately mansions, the residence
of the old families of South Carolina; the houses looking off into
the lovely, broad river, and the woods of oak beyond, with occa-
sional stretches of cotton-fields, the sources of their wealth. Now
the houses are occupied with hospitals and army officers . They were
ravaged by the two-years' campaign, the furniture broken, and the
gardens effaced; and only a few oranges, fig-trees, and oleanders,
and the rows of crocuses and hyacinths, coming up from bulbs left
in the ground, show what the places were in the day of their
pride. Here lives the military governor of South Carolina: also
here are the headquarters of the Medical Department, and of the
Sanitary and Educational Commissions."
He goes on then to tell them that he wishes particularly
to speak of the workings of the Sanitary Commission. He
310 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
hopes they will not think he exaggerates in his praises ; be-
cause his opinions are founded on the testimony of officers,
men, and surgeons, besides his own observation, and the
records of the society. Fifty thousand men, he saj-s, were
in the department of South Carolina, some on dangerous
islands and unhealthy swamps. The battle at Fort Wagner
was a bloody one. The first year the Commission could not
do much, or win the respect of the authorities. Dr. Marsh
a rare man and his wife, in their employ the second year,
did wonders by their energy and tact. This man, he says,
had great boldness and ability combined ; and, under the
authority of the Commission, he did and said things which
no other man could do, in his intercourse with all, from the
commanding general down.
In order to show what Dr. Marsh did, he mentions one
case, describing first how our men were landed on Folly
Island, how they assaulted and took possession of Morris
Island, and drove the enemy into Fort Wagner. Before Mor-
ris Island was taken, Dr. Marsh suspected that would be
the point of attack ; and he sent down loads of condensed
meats and other supplies, and, going by the rebel pickets,
hid them upon the end of the island. The assault on Fort
Wagner was bloody and unsuccessful. The men in the
excitement had lost their rations. No preparations had
been made. The medical department had absolutely nothing.
Dr. Marsh brought forth his hot soups, cayenne pepper, and
had kind words for every man. He had even got hold of a
steamboat, and fitted it up for a hospital-ship just in time
for the battle. The surgeons worked gratefully under him,
and saw all the wounded taken in the steamer to Hilton
Head. After the second attack, and during the terrible scene
that occurred on the second repulse, the services of the San-
itary Commission were so great, that an order was given by
the commanding general for a public expression of thanks to
be read at the head of every regiment. He actualty de-
clared that Dr. M had saved his army. No one who had
LIFE IN CAMP. 311
not seen this work could estimate its value. The soldiers,
in going to their work in the trenches, would often stop and
give three cheers when they passed by the tent of the " Sani-
tary Commission." He makes, in closing, a personal appeal
to his people to send in their offerings, assuring them that
it was the same ' ' as though they were actually giving a bowl
of soup to an exhausted man in the trenches, or a soothing
cordial to a sick man on his bed."
We take up his journal where we left it. It gives rather
a sorry account of himself. He had come back too early
from the South.
"Two weeks ago to-day I preached under the influence of a
cold, and was made worse by it. Next day I had to deliver
a 22d of February address, and lastly had to go next evening to
a parish-party, which gave the finish. I have had a bad cough,
poor appetite, indigestion, and much soreness of the lungs. The
doctor thinks it is bronchial. I have not been out for two weeks,
except in the yard. During the winter I began to think I might
be as well as half the people, but I dread the coming three months.
I never liked Somerville better than since this year came in. I
was urged early in the season to go to New Orleans and preach
for the winter, but declined. . . . March 26. We have just
returned from a week's visit at Exeter, and have come back much
recruited."
In spite of his ill health during these spring months, when
he is silent, we find, that, although he was unable at times
to preach, his mind was active ; for, in his careful list of
sermons and dates at the end of this volume of the journal,
we see that he wrote between March and September eleven
sermons, one month of the time being vacation. We find
an address upon the Sanitary Commission, which appears
to have been given by request to a company of ladies and
gentlemen at Dorchester, Mass. This address is too long
to be quoted entire in this memoir, and we have in other
ways given his impressions of the noble work of the Sanitary
312 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
Commission. But it would be valuable in a history of the
war, as it gives us side-views from the writer's own observa-
tion. He draws a picture of the attack on Morris Island,
and especially the first fatal assault on Fort Wagner, when
the gallant Col. Shaw of Massachusetts lost his life, and
when for three days the exhausted men relied entirely on
the Sanitary Commission for their nourishment.
His mind was so occupied with the great events in the
country, that he kept the subject often before his people.
We find a sermon preached to his people after the Richmond
battles. His text from Nahum is vivid. "The noise of a
whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the
prancing horses, and of the jumping chariots. The horse-
man lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear :
and there is a multitude of slain."
He begins by telling them that he could not escape from
the one subject that interests them all, or put the thought
of the battle-field aside ; and yet, since the war began, he
may have made it more frequently the topic than some
have desired, and therefore he hesitated. But he could
not come and look them in the face after all their suspense
and anxiety, and be silent on this theme. And, besides,
events were the most valuable teachers that God sends to
men. He says,
. . . " My friends, we may never live through such times again.
You will say, ' God grant we never may ! ' and so say I. ... Let
it be our care, that we shall not fail, while we bear their burden,
also to reap their fruit. Bear with me, then, if I only repeat what
you have heard and thought every day. Such costly experiences
as these we are passing through had better weary us a little at the
time, than in any manner come short, and pass on, without sowing
in the furrows which their ravages have toin, the seed of impres-
sions which shall make the scarred surface hereafter beautiful with
its harvest. ... If , during the week, our hearts have been thrilled
or agitated, ... let us come here to deepen the feeling, and
change it into some resolute purpose of faithfulness." . . .
LIFE IN CAMP. 313
He speaks about the difference between reading of con-
flicts in history, and picturing our own sons and brothers and
husbands cold on the battle-field, or lying in the hospitals.
He addresses particularly those who are even then waiting
to hear of the safety of beloved ones, and asks if these
hours do not increase their sense of dependence on God,
and pities those, if there are any, who shall endure such
agony without any increase of religious feeling in their
hearts. To those who have no such personal interest, . . .
who, as he watches the campaign, can tell what may be, can
help acknowledging the great uncertainties of war? . . .
Gallant as our soldiers are, they may be swept back. . . . Let
our trust be, " not in man, in arms of flesh, but in the Lord
our God." ..." What if we are to be disappointed, if,
another winter, Richmond shall stand as a fiendish prison
for our poor, maltreated, starved soldiers? What then? . . .
There is now, even, a low murmur to the effect, that, if we
are not successful, we will give over our efforts, and try to
compromise for a peace. You hear such words boldly and
maliciously uttered by those who secretly wish harm to our
cause. There are many timid ones, who, when such senti-
ments are uttered, are paralyzed, and fall breathless before
the first breath of fear. Now is the time to forestall such
sentiments, and to turn upon them a just indignation. . . .
The burden of the war expenditure comes heavy on the
people. We must do all we can to lighten it. We must
exercise personal economy, ladies in their dress, gentle-
men in luxuries. ... I hope the time may come when every
one will feel uncomfortable to be wearing a needlessby ex-
pensive article of dress, or using any extravagance of living.
... I have no doubt of the final end of the great struggle.
It may be in two months, or two years. ... I am not
troubled about this terrible and costly confusion if we all, as
individuals, live up faithfully to the opportunities of the hour,
so that, when peace arrives, we may find in our own hearts
that peace which comes from the consciousness that we have
314 MEMOIR OF GHAELES LOWE.
not trifled with these mighty trusts, and have merited the
prosperity that shall be in store for us."
Here comes another break in the journal, of over three
months, a prelude to the longer blank space in this volume,
when we shall have to steer our way without our familiar
chart to guide us.
" Sunday, July 3, 1864. I happen to take up my journal again.
Have preached this morning, and have the communion-service this
P.M. Not very well this week. . . . Last week I had a very
pleasant excursion to Maine, as delegate from the A. U. A. to the
Unitarian Conference in Waterville. I enjoyed much the inter-
course with the brethren there. . . . Gave the address to people
at H 's ordination in Portland. Wrote the part on my way.
Enjoyed the whole trip. Our society have voted to raise my salary
to $1,500. I am deliberating with M about appropriating the
additional $300 to a bell for the church, or for charities connected
with the war. I should do this partly in order to feel free as
regards any necessity to spare myself in the course of the year,
but chiefly from the feeling that we ought not to stop retrenching,
and throw off the war burden too soon." . . .
As he does not keep any regular diar} r now, we learn onl} r
of the events that are happening in the country through what
he does ; that is, through his sermons and speeches, which
show that his mind was very active in spite of his ill health.
The next thing that comes is a Thanksgiving sermon, given
Sept. 11, 1864, in response to the invitation from the Presi-
dent of the United States, that the da}- should be observed
in places of public worship as an expression of gratitude for
the success of our arms. He speaks of the propriety and
beauty of such a day, and especially of the need of it in
order to stimulate the nation, and keep up public confidence
and hope. He recalls Thanksgiving and Fast Da}-s appointed
during the past year, and finds, on looking over his record,
that they (his church) have observed all the Thanksgivings,
and none of the Fasts. This was accidental, the Fast Days
having occurred when their church was closed : but he con-
LIFE IN CAMP. 315
fesses to being glad that it has happened so ; for he says the
word "thanksgiving" carries with it a profound sense of our
dependence on God, and a consciousness of the uncertainty
of results; and the word "fast" has something lugubrious
and depressing in its sound. After all that we had passed
through, there was no danger of our being too confident in
our pride. He speaks of the necessit}- of keeping up a good
heart. It gave strength for new sacrifices. . . . He alludes
with astonishment to those who can say we have accom-
plished nothing, and }'et look back upon the crippled condi-
tion of the North at first, the proud bluster of the South, the
Union flag down, and the nations of Europe taunting us,
and compare this with our present position, Missouri and
her sisters ours, Farragut victorious, Sherman's great cam-
paign, Grant face to face with the rebels, the South growing
exhausted, and we with hardly a luxury less, our flag float-
ing in every State. How can a man say we are no nearer
the end ? There are others, he says, who wish a settlement
at once. He draws an illustration for these men, tells
them to go into their gardens. Will they pick an unripe
pear, and eat it, hard and tasteless as it is, because they
are tired of waiting all summer for the sun and rain to ripen
it ? "Will they not wait one more day for the subtle chemis-
try of sun and air? What shall we say of him, who, through
impatience, shall, before the hour of ripening, rudely pluck
from the tree this fruit for which our brothers have died,
in whose savor coming generations were to rejoice, to see
it wither before the eyes of a disappointed world ?
So he rejoices at all the good signs of the times, and keeps
up the spirits of his people, and lifts their faith, during this
painful contest, to the Almighty Helper.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
ARMY SCENES.
18G4.
Rival Commissions. Goes South Again. Chairman of Ameri-
can Unitarian Association Army Commission. Camping
with Officers. Tent Life. Visiting Regiments. Black Sol-
diers. Jottings. Home. Reports to His People. New-
England Freedmen's Aid Committee.
HIS longing to do something for the country, and share
in the new experiences, led him to go South again in
November, 1864 ; and he was, moreover, stimulated by his
desire to bring our Association into active connection with
the work for the soldiers.
Not far from this time he preaches a sermon which is char-
acteristic of him as showing his eagerness to bring before
his people the movements and also aspects of the time. His
text is from the book of Ezra, " Ye have nothing to do with
us to build an house unto our God." He begins by draw-
ing graphically the picture of the Jews being permitted to
go back from their captivity, and rebuild their temple ; and
how the Samaritans wished to join in the work, and they
told them they should have nothing to do with it ; and how
this intolerant spirit worked for their own disadvantage, as
it made the Samaritans enemies, who hindered the work for
a long time, besides repeating the same bigotry in their turn
which they had suffered from the Jews.
He paints the whole scene of the trains of camels loaded
with merchandise from the ports of T}Te and Joppa, and
the woods of Lebanon resounding with the sound of the axe,
ARMY SCENES. 317
and the joy of the people, and how this enthusiasm was all
quenched by this one act of intolerance. The Samaritans
at length built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, and thus
the feud was kept up for ages.
The case that comes nearest, at the present day, is that
of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions. These great
organizations plaj-ed so important a part in our national and
religious life at this period, that it may be well to quote a
little of what he says. Speaking of the Sanitary Commis-
sion, he continues,
" Will it be believed in the generation to come, that this noble
charity has been interfered with by the same spirit of narrow secta-
rian rivalry which well-nigh defeated the rebuilding of Jerusalem ?
... I spoke to some of the officers of the Sanitary Commission,
of the charge that it was a 'Unitarian affair.' They knew it all.
' But,' said they, ' it is not for us to turn aside from our labor, to
answer allegations so utterly false. We prefer to work on as we
have hitherto done, and let our unvarying consecration to the
cause in which we labor be the refutation of the charge.' It is
true that the idea of the Commission is understood to have origi-
nated with Unitarians; and it is true that Unitarians have been,
in proportion to numbers at least, its most liberal supporters. I
rejoice that such a testimony exists as to the fruitfulness of our
faith! But that it has been in any way intended to favor one form
of religious belief more than another is as false as any thing can
be. When I was in South Carolina I spoke of the matter to the
man who js the head of the Sanitary Commission in that depart-
ment (of whose remarkable service I have already spoken) : he
is one of the ablest of all the officers of the Commission, who has
been identified with it from the beginning. He is himself a very
earnest member of an Orthodox church. He had never heard of
the charge before ; and, when I told him of it, he could hardly
find words to express his mingled indignation and pain." . . .
He is careful to make it clear what his real objections are.
Public speakers, in the heat of their argument, often leave
things to be understood, and do harm to the truth. He was
intensely conscious of the responsibility of the pulpit, and
318 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
balanced carefully his words and thought. Let the point of
this censure not be misunderstood, he says :
" I do not complain because this new Commission the Chris-
tian Commission tries to exert a religious influence in the army,
or that because, in doing so, they carry the religious views which
they hold dear. This is the very thing which our own Unitarian
Association is about making a new effort to do; and I respect
the so-called evangelical churches, that they have felt this work
as a duty, and entered into it with so much zeal. What I com-
plain of is, that they will turn to this end alone a sacred work of
love; that in narrowness of spirit they will refuse to do a deed
of mercy with one from whose religious opinions they differ, and
disparage the organization to which they have made themselves
rivals, for the sake of building up their own. . . .
" Let us hope that sometime a broad Christian charity will
bind together in heart and life those who truly profess and strive
to act upon the religion of Jesus. At present it is fair to say that
the violations of this spirit of charity are confined to no one phase
of belief or sect, and probably as many cases of harshness and
narrowness and bigoted unfairness to opponents can be found
among the extreme radicals as among the most earnest conserva-
tives. May the time come when it shall all be done away! and
may we, without abating one jot of the zeal with which we will
uphold and try to extend the faith which we accept, strive, never-
theless, to exercise that charity ' which never faileth, that envieth
not, that vaunteth not itself, that rejoiceth not in iniquity, but
rejoiceth in the truth.' "
"Nov. 30, 1864. Returned last week from a visit to the army,
where I went as chairman of the Army Commission of the Ameri-
can Unitarian Association to make arrangements for sending our
reading-matter to hospitals and camps. The account of it is in
my little journal of the trip."
After a good deal of searching we find the little book,
without any date of the 3 T ear, but evidently the one he refers
to. They are hasty jottings, but still may be interesting as
pictures of an eye-witness among scenes of war.
" Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1864. After the preliminary hurry in Bos-
AEMT SCENES. 319
ton and on Long Island, got on board the Forest City ' at twelve
o'clock. Slight snow-storm. Col. Donahoe in command. Pleas-
ant man, from Manchester, N.H. Capt. Clark, master, genial
man. Chaplain Thomas of N. H. 4th. Dr. Folsom surgeon of
ship. Fine singing in the evening. Got under way at ten P.M."
We find in another memorandum that he had a military
ticket from the Sanitary Commission.
" Eather rough in the night, but in the morning (Wednesday)
pleasant. Wednesday evening. Officers playing cards and read-
ing. Capt. Healy, a quick, wiry man, with Irish brogue and wit,
brave as a lion, has just told his officers to have fire-arms ready in
case of disturbance from men below. Some of them are just put
in irons for threatening to burn the ship. . . .
"Great doings among the men below. As soon as lights were
out, some of them took hold of a man by his collar, and shook
him, the captain says, as you would shake a pillow. Another
quiet man was set on, and terribly bruised.
" Thursday, Nov. 12. This morning quite an excitement about
four o'clock. Ten men got stealthily up, and cut the forestrings
of the quarter-boat, and were lowering it down the side when the
guard discovered them, and fired. The whole ten have been dis-
covered, and tied up by their thumbs. They are among the worst
on board, and it is good to have them in irons for the voyage. . . .
Got under way at eight A.M., and steamed down past Naushon.
On one of the conspirators to-day they found a bottle of chloro-
form. It seems it is a frequent resort for them, when they suspect
a man has money. They get up when he is asleep, and put some
chloroform under his nose, so that they can rob him more securely.
. . . Considerable sea-sickness to-day.
" Friday, Nov. 13. Fine run last night. . . . Fine day; all up
sunning themselves. ... Saturday, Nov. 14. Another beauti-
ful morning. Considerable excitement in the feeling that I am
now approaching hostile territory. Had very interesting visit with
reading-matter among the men to-day. Mr. McEwry accompanied
me. I find two of Garibaldi's soldiers on board, and one Aus-
trian, who was in the battle at Solferino. . . .
"Nov. 15. Overhauled by United-States gun-boat, 'Connecti-
cut.' She fired a shot which almost reached us. Delayed us
nearly an hour. Sent a boat on board. She had just taken a
320 MEMOIR OF CUAELES LOWE.
prize, eighty thousand dollars in gold. Monday, Nov. 16. At
daybreak we made land, and at seven were boarded from flag-ship
' Wabash.' Then soon came past the whole fleet, ' Ironsides '
among them. We could see Sullivan's Island, Sumter in the
midst of the harbor. Wagner was firing occasional shots at it.
At eight we came to anchor abreast of Morris Island. Beautiful
day. At eleven o'clock up anchor. Along by Folly Island. On
shore we see winding baggage-wagon ; beyond that, woods. Soon
got a view of the spires of Charleston."
Here lie gives us a little pencil-sketch of the city, as he
sees it.
" Came at length to groves of trees, and camps among them.
Very pleasant. . . . Many vessels ; beautiful, smooth water. After
half a mile more, marshes on both sides, then muddy soil on left,
and on right palmettos and pines. Pickets on shore upon little
knolls. Occasionally team with six horses plunging along through
the water by the shore. Got up Stow's Island to wharf, and wait
for tide. There is a steamer lying off in sight. All looks Ori-
ental: I almost expect Arabs and camels. We can see shells burst-
ing over the woods, probably from Wagner. After dinner Mr.
T invited me to go with him to 4th N. H. On way went
down to battery farther up the inlet. Have to look out for tor-
pedoes. ... I was made most comfortable by the officers of the
6th N. H. Mr. T and I were in the major's tent. Nice fire
of pitch.
" Tuesday morning. I went to Gen. Stevenson, and was most
hospitably received. He gave me a horse, ' Roanoke,' one captured
at Roanoke Island. Fine animal. Rode to see Wagner. Saw
where the first assault was made. The men were tired out with
double-quick time before they reached the ramparts. The assault
failed Then began the regular approaches. For twenty days
they worked by night throwing up dirt, and continually fired on,
and dodging the shell. Finally they got to third parallel, and
were close to a rampart of rebels. This they took by charging,
and drove them all into the fort. Then they advanced till the
last parallel was close under the walls. They could almost toss
balls in. Terribly hot work. . . .
"We enter Wagner (now Fort Strong) through gateways of
ARMY SCENES. 321
palmetto-logs. Every thing is of sand. Bags are piled up, or
planks on end, or wicker-baskets; sometimes sods, but all else
sand. The appearance is like what boys would build on beach.
We went into the bomb-proofs, dark places : they were supported
by palmetto-logs. Here five hundred men were quartered during
the siege; and, when Gen. S captured the fort, it was a
dreadful hole. Sick and dead men. Here we saw grape and other
ammunition left by rebels. Many blacks and whites were in the
fort, some at work on fortifications. The regular garrison not at
work. No firing going on. They were all looking at the firing,
from other forts. We were much interested to see it. Gregg (now
Putnam) and Cbatfield were firing mortars and rifles at Sumter.
The mortars give a loud, single report: the rifles give a prolonged
sound, like rattling of cars. While we were there, they began
to fire at Charleston. Pretty exciting. . . . This afternoon, just
after we left the fort, the batteries on James Island opened on
' The Planter,' the boat that escaped from them, and against which
they have a great spite, and which they fire at almost every day:
then our guns opened to the left on Lighthouse Inlet. I picked up
grape-shot and a piece of shell on the rampart. Tons of shot
and shell might be found there."
These sections of shells are still in the place where he put
them, by the side of the fireplace in his study. They were
burnished, and might serve for tongs and shovel-stands ;
but he placed a ball of grape-shot about as large as a small
orange in each shell, and there they remain. He also fas-
tened over the door a bowie-knife, a spear, and a rust} 7 old
sword in its sheath, all of which he picked up at Fort Wag-
ner. Singular ornaments, one might say, in a minister's
stud} 7 . But, as we have seen, he was not of those peace-men
who are forced to believe in war while it is going on, and
are ashamed of it afterwards. What he believed, he be-
lieved all the way through. If he considered it our duty to
fight, he had no sickly sentimentality at sight of the weapons
of war, but rather invested them with dignity. This is a
very different spirit from that false love of military glory,
and delight in the shows and trappings of war, which it is so
322 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
easy to excite in any people, and which, in former times,
has plunged us in unjust and aggressive warfare, through the
ambition of the South and the weakness of the North.
There was no shame here at the sight of those weapons, but
only a throb of gratitude.
" Col. Stevenson invited me to his quarters for my home. His
staff are, Capt. Hutchins, quarter-master; Capt. Clark, inspector;
and Lieut. Stanley, aid. I am to tent with Capt. C . As I
write, half-past seven, P.M., the firing is heard every five minutes,
and is kept up all day.
" Called on Col. Hallowell of 54th. He was not in, but saw the
major He was full of enthusiasm for the idea his regiment ex-
presses. He complains that the men have to do the chief fatigue-
duty. It does harm by making a distinction between whites and
blacks, and tends to destroy their self-respect. It also takes their
time and strength, making it impossible to drill, or attend to the
ornamental part of the regimental system, and so prevents the
efficiency which gives a regiment pride in itself. Besides that,
the distinctions in pay must somewhat discourage. Yet the men
are the most contented and cheerful and obedient of any.
" Wednesday morning. Called at Sanitary Commission. They
have done a great deal."
"VVe have already given some extracts from his diary, of
his first visit to South Carolina, and also from a sermon
preached upon the work of the Sanitary Commission. His
good opinion seems to be confirmed on a second visit.
" Saw their supplies of potatoes, ice, onions, etc. The Sanitary
Commission is a great blessing, according to the general testimony
of officers and men, and now in perfect accord with the Christian
Commission. A boat is coming to-day with stores. Met Chaplain
Wells of Maine regiment, fine man. Previous chaplains had
not been successful. But he has won the men's respect. He
goes round, and chats with them at their camp-fires, and counsels
them, gets books, etc. Thinks a chaplain's place most satisfactory,
but needs co-operation of officers. Called again on Col. Hallowell.
Found him, and had an interesting talk about his regiment,
and the assault on Wagner, in which the regiment behaved so
ARMY SCENES. 323
gallantly. Col. Shaw was killed. Lieut. -Col. Hallowell was
wounded, and went home. Col. Littlefield took command. ' They
were much shattered, and there was confusion everywhere.
Earthworks were to be erected by men worn out with the siege.
It was thought proper, in order to save the white men, to give the
heaviest work to the blacks. Consequently they were compelled
to work in digging, etc., all the time. When Col. H came
back, he found them in a most demoralized condition. They were
few in number, and dirty and unsoldier-like, and had lost all self-
respect and discipline. He soon found, that not only were they
detailed for excessive fatigue-duty, but he found many were ser-
vants and cooks, etc., to officers of various regiments all over the
island. . . . Col. H seems to have done nobly. He did not
advise them to accept the half-pay offered, but rather encouraged
them to do as they themselves decided ; that is, not receive any
pay, but hold out till they could get their deserts. Meantime he
has succeeded in bringing them, in spite of their drawbacks, into
a fine condition. They seemed to me, in their appointments, etc.,
to compare well with the best of regiments. They have recov-
ered their pride and self-respect. Col. H says there are three
grades of colored soldiers. 1st, The highest are his and the 50th,
Northern blacks. They are beyond all others for intelligence and
morals. They look down on the others with much disdain, will-
ing to have them look up to their regiment, and pleased to try
thus to ' elevate ' them. 2d, Such as the 3d Pennsylvania volun-
teers, much inferior, and with officers far inferior to Massachu-
setts. They are not selected with care, nor are they of same high
character as those of 54th and 55th. 3d, Lowest, the South-Caro-
lina volunteers. These are the most degraded men in the nation,
the cotton-raising negroes of Sea Islands, who have been debased
by hardest of slavery, and by intermarrying. It would be diffi-
cult to find so low a race. These men have, however, been much
improved by the discipline of the army.
" While with Col. H , firing was heard on The Morse,' the
companion steamer to ' The Planter.' She and ' The Planter 1 come
every day round Folly Island from Pawnee Landing, and always
are fired on. It seems a bravado, as it is simply saving the hours'
time it would take additional to come round outside, at risk of
being blown to pieces. As soon as they open on the boat, our
guns from Block Island open on their batteries ; and it was a lively
324 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
time. We were close by, and could see the boat, and the shells
striking very near her. One burst in air above her, and the pieces
fell around her in the water. She came bravely in with colors
flying."
Here he gives a pen-and-ink sketch in his little book, from
which we pick out these jottings. We see the position of
the islands, the different regiments, the beach, and Fort
Wagner.
" The mail came to-day. Capt. Clark has news of the serious
illness of his father of typhoid fever. They telegraphed him to
come home. He is in much distress, yet appears nobly. He can-
not go; and, even if he could, there are other officers, he says,
who are here under similar circumstances, and cannot; and some
are even dying themselves from the climate, and cannot go; and
he doesn't feel it right to ask. He says people at home little know
the sacrifices required of men here, or the amount of true patri-
otism among officers and men. Let me, when I go home, do
more justice to it. Also, I have been led to remark the fine habits
of officers. We have heard much of their bad habits, their intem-
perance, etc. I have seen the contrary. To be sure, on the boat
there was much profanity among them, and some were disgusting;
but on this island I have hardly heard an oath, and with much
playfulness there is also much depth and earnestness and manli-
ness. It is pleasant to see the tenderness on the receipt of letters
to-day from home.
" Called on N. H. 3d. Saw many Exeter men. Interesting to
see the companies of pickets going up to the front with overcoats
and haversacks to remain twenty-four hours.
" Called with Mr. Thomas on Chaplain E of N. H. 7th.
He is a good chaplain, sensible; a Methodist; says a chaplain
must make up his mind not to expect too much. You can't do
any thing 'in the way of revivals in the army.' You just begin
to wake it up, and you are obliged to march ; and the men who had
begun to feel the movement of the spirit get all overturned by the
bustle of change, and say, 'Oh! we may as well give it up, we
can't go it: ' and so their religion is over. Simply try, he says, to
exert a quiet moral influence. Be a friend to the men, and coun-
sel them, etc. He thinks he has seen good results from his work.
ARMY SCENES. 325
Officers treat him kindly. The officers all want me to see Gov.
Andrew about various matters. Col. Littlefield says he asked
Major Brooks, who had charge of the works at Wagner, 1st, How
the colored troops worked? if as faithfully and ingeniously as
whites? 2d, If as courageously? he said ' Yes.'
"Saw Sergt. Saide, born a chief in the interior of Africa.
Talked French and German with him. . . . Nov. 19. Went
to Folly Island in company with Gen. S , Capt. H , and
C . Went to the 40th Mass. Their camp is pleasant. Went
on to the 55th. I was pretty well lamed by the hard ride with
the officers. Found Major Fox and Col. Hartwell at dinner out of
doors, and sat down with them. Had a very pleasant interview."
It looks as though he had won the confidence and respect
of the officers, and disarmed that natural fear among them,
of a parson's either being narrow, and forcing his religion at
inappropriate times, or else meddling in practical matters
which did not belong to him. He certainly alwa}~s remem-
bered with pleasure the time when he "messed" and slept
in the officers' tent, and experienced their courtesy. He
goes on to speak of the regiment he was visiting :
" The appearance of the tents and company streets was remark-
able. I can truly say it was better than that of any regiment I
have seen. The location was admirable, undulating land, fine
woods. They prepared the floors by putting down great logs of
pine, then laid above either half-logs of palmetto or boards. . . .
Many tents had fireplaces, very neat, the sides of which about 18
inches high, and quite wide; the top of tin, and the front sliding
up. The tin they got by taking tomato-cans, and hammering
them out. Very ingenious. The fitting of all as good as could be.
' ' I afterwards rode with Major Fox to see a company of Capt.
Gordon at Pawnee Landing, whose quarters were worth describing.
At entrance to 6th Street, they were raising an arch of evergreens.
In front of every tent were planted boughs of holly, etc., making
the whole look like a beautiful bower. . . . The ride through the
woods was very delightful. Large bay-trees with shiny leaves, a
kind of myrtle with fringe of prairie-moss, and palmettos, and also
masses of hard-pine. After leaving Pawnee Landing we had for
326 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
company the major of the 1st New- York Volunteers. He is very
decided in his testimony in favor of the blacks as soldiers. "...
We find here a few random notes which do not appear to
have connection with the preceding diary. They run in this
way :
"54th. They are collecting all the copper and brass from
shells, to make a statue of Col. Shaw. . . . Sergt. Grey says, in the
building of the works, the other regiments wouldn't work, such
was the fire. 100 men of this regiment (black) every eight hours,
then home 16 hours; kept it up 30 days. At last approach to
Wagner, when they could throw loaves of bread at it, never a man
shrunk. Two days after the terrible charge on Wagner, they were
sent to dig on left batteries; had no tents, no rubber-blankets, no
cups or plates, only sandhills to get in under. It rained every
night. This lasted a fortnight. Then the tents came. They
began to dig up to Wagner, only engineers with them, always
farthest in front. These men were the first in Wagner, and the
first in Gregg. Lieut. Littlefield of 50th confirms all I have said.
He says, when the men entered Gregg, an engineer asked who
would volunteer to go up to the fort as skirmishers. Nineteen of
the men went with him. The officers asked if they knew how to
deploy and skirmish. One said they hadn't had much practice,
but he guessed they could keep together pretty well. When there,
another party of men came up, and summoned them to surrender.
One of them called out, ' Don't see it.' A man, the first killed in
trenches, Gen. King said, had got up from cover, and sat exposed
to shells, and said, ' Next shell that comes, I am going to light my
pipe at it. ' That shell took his leg off. Sixty were captured within
the fort. They bore wounds with fortitude. When sick, the in-
spector, Dr. H , says they expected less than white men, saying,
'It was in a good cause.' They were always frolicsome in the
trenches. When a shell would pass close to them, they would cry
out, 'Didn't hit me that time.' . . . Friday, 20th. Mr. Fay,
Miss Gilson, and Col. Hallo well dined with us. I spent the morn-
ing among the 54th, collecting relics, etc. Also called on 3d
N.H., Exeter boys. All seemed cheerful. . . . 'Tell them we
want to come home in nine months, not before,' they said. Also
on Chaplain Wells, and the colonel of Mass. 3d.
ARMY SCENES. 327
" Saturday, 21. After breakfast, rowed out with Gen. S
and Dr. S to the monitor ' Nahant.' Very interesting. Then
to 'Ironsides,' monster, bows and stern not iron, except near
water's edge. Shot came tearing through the commodore's cabin,
and we could see the place where it shattered the timbers; also
on gun-deck the splintered timber where a shot struck the deck
above. The surgeon and Commodore Rowan showed us round.
" I am now, at 3 P.M., on board ' The Mary Benson,' waiting to
start for Hilton Head. . . . The batteries of Fort Johnson are
starting firing at Fort Gregg. Ours are firing at them. Sumter
stands a yellow mass, about the color of the pyramids. There is a
fascination about the whole place and life here, which makes me
hate to leave. I never passed so interesting a week."
Here ends this little note-book. In his office as chairman
of the Army Committee of the American Unitarian Associa-
tion, he had work opening before him. He writes in Somer-
ville :
"I took cold at City Point, which I aggravated by my rapid
journey home, and have still a bad sore throat. I am rather occu-
pied in getting up a public meeting of our denomination in Boston
next week, a meeting which I first suggested, and have princi-
pally carried into a definite purpose."
We find he preached another sermon to his people on his
return, on the subject of the war and the Sanitary Commis-
sion, telling them that there had been a falling-off during the
past months in the charitable offerings which had sustained
this work, and making an urgent appeal for help. He ac-
knowledges the comparative health and comfort of the men
at this time, but tells how many things they still need which
the government will not supply. He gives items of services
rendered by the Commission, outside of these physical wants.
The Soldiers' Home, 1,289 meals per day. Woman's Home,
place for sisters and wives of the sick and wounded to go
for protection in a great city, admitted 448. Settling sol-
diers' accounts with defective papers, etc. Collected past
week, $14,000 ; also the pay for families of prisoners of
328 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
war. Got pensions, without charge, through their own au-
thorized surgeon. Procured decision from government in
regard to re-enlisted men, which affected the soldiers to the
amount of $1,000,000. Removed charges of "desertion,"
or "absence without leave," which branded the innocent
forever.
We believe his parish bore an honorable and generous
part in the work of the war until the end.
"Dec. 22. I have still the trouble in my throat with which I
came home. It nearly deprives me of my voice, and gives me
great reason to fear, if not a permanent loss of voice, at least a
serious weakness of the vocal organs. I have preached the last
three Sundays, but it was almost in a whisper. I also said a
little at our public meeting. Aside from this trouble I feel un-
usually well, and am interested in my work. I am placed on the
Teachers' Committee of the New-England Freedmen's Aid Society,
where I meet once a week Miss Stevenson, Mrs. Cheney, and Mr.
Parkman, and learn what is being done in this great cause. The
public meeting has given an impetus to the Unitarian prospects ;
and I am also occupied with that, both as chairman of Army Com-
mission, and also on committee for the increase of funds. My
throat was touched last night with nitrate of silver, and I think
is a little better. I make this journal on purpose largely a record
of health and efficiency, as it is this that I wish to measure, since
I do not keep it regularly enough to be a record of thought and
feeling."
New responsibilities were coming upon him : his work was
enlarging ; and he had less time for contemplating his own
phases of thought and study, and could only record what he
did.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
LAST PARISH DAYS.
1865.
Sermon- writing. New Committee Work. Division of Feeling.
Conservatives and Radicals. Three Short Sermons. The
Rich and Poor.
WE find again some fragments of a journal which leaps
over a month or more. In looking at his index of
sermons, we discover four new ones written during this time.
We recall some of them as being short, incisive, clear, in
the way they took up simple questions of daily dealing with
one's neighbor in all the avocations and amenities of life.
As he grew older he shook away, as we have said, a good
many of the appendages with which a }*oung man builds up
a sermon, paragraphs which gratify the taste, or please
the ear of the partially cultured, and struck out upon a
simple theme, and fastened its main points upon the atten-
tion of every hearer.
He preaches in January a crisp little sermon on " Only
he shall pay for the loss of his time," Exod. xxi. 19. This
was a New- Year's sermon, and he makes the whole question
of time an interesting study.
His mind, we repeat, was not of that subjective order
that could produce thought from the pure pleasure of it ;
but, when any social or religious question of the hour came
up, he wrote with great zest. And that little shrug of his
shoulders, so well known to his friends when he was pleased,
330 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
always came when he was sewing together the sheets of such
a sermon for the coming Sunda} r .
"Feb. 6. The business of the Association and of the Freed-
men's Aid Society continually grows more interesting and absorb-
ing, and I have been in Boston as often as three or four times a
week lately. The raising of funds is one item ; and our society in
Somerville has, with one other (that of Dr. Bellows's), the credit
of leading off most generously. His society gave $5,000; ours,
what is reckoned more in proportion, $725. Dr. Stebbins preached
for me, and presented the subject. Mr. B went about to col-
lect it ; and we have that amount, and enough more to give $125
to Sunday school. At the same time I have started a Branch
Freedmen's Aid Society by an impromptu meeting at the sewing-
circle, and we shall easily raise the $300 for that. Meantime I
am meeting Hale and Mumford every week to devise ways of
filling up vacant parishes, and of advancing our cause. The pub-
lic meeting in New York is one thing. Dr. Bellows is most for-
ward in that, and it is going on well. Only he and others err, I
think, in one respect: they feel that the proper thing is to draw
in for the movement all the nebulous element in the land, and the
liberal out of the Methodist and Orthodox, etc., and, for this, to
drop at once our name, and start as the ' Free Church of Amer-
ica.' My own view is, to be just as catholic in the platform as
they, and admit all who ' for reasons satisfactory to themselves
claim to be Christians,' but yet not to throw away the advantages
of our organization and our history. There must be a nucleus
for the nebulae to form around. We have at last won a place, and
have a foot-hold. ... At Freedmen's Aid things are rather loose.
I am to go to-morrow as delegate to convention of the four socie-
ties, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, to see about
forming a union. In army-work I am trying to bring about a
means of access for us to the army on par with Sanitary or Chris-
tian Commission. ... On the whole, I think M and I have
never felt better satisfied in Somerville with our work and position
than now."
He is gradually stepping outside of his parish- work, and
throwing himself into national projects, in a way that will
soon make the denomination want all his time. Yet, as we
LAST PARISH DATS. 331
see, he did not neglect his parish while he remained with his
people, but drew them into the great movements of the day,
ever proving to them that this outside work and generosity,
instead of weakening their local interests as a parish, strength-
ened them, and gave them unity, fulfilling the Scripture say-
ing, " It is more blessed to give than to receive."
"Feb. 15. I went last week to Philadelphia as delegate to
Freedmen's Aid Society there, in conference with the sister socie-
ties of Baltimore and New York, to frame a constitution for an
association comprising all. It was interesting work. In Phila-
delphia I also went to Christian Commission to obtain a reply to
our application for leave to send out agents under them. Mr.
Stuart referred me to Stephen Colesell, chairman of committee, to
whom the subject was referred. Had a friendly talk with him,
resulting, as I supposed it would, in a refusal. Now I propose to
wait before going to Washington with our application, to get
backed up by the New- York constitution. This is exciting much
interest, but with many there is a holding back and distrust. Our
conservative ones hold aloof, talk of their right of seceding, even
if they go at all. . . . There was an animated discussion Monday.
Some would make a creed a basis of organization. It is unfor-
tunate, I think, for our hopes of action, that some of our best
men so hold themselves apart from fear of being associated with
radicals. In what I said at the meeting, I took this ground: 1st,
There are, truly, the difficulties which Dr. Gannett and others
feel. 2d, Let them ask themselves if there will not be difficulties
any way. Is not their mistake in this ideal picture of a system
without difficulties? I suggested the obvious ones if we separate.
For instance, there is a man like Mr. T , evangelical in doc-
trine, and reformatory in philanthropy, etc. If there is a line
dividing Mr. R on one side, and Mr. May on the other, which
will he go with, etc.? Then I said, Look at the history of organ-
izations, the Church of England for instance: many clergymen were
even bad, immoral men; yet the Church has gone on, and done
its work, and not been hopelessly compromised. Then I spoke of
how, by dwelling too much on our differences, we magnified
them. Quoted from the life of Starr King, his referring to differ-
ences among us. Spoke of a Hindoo being approached (after his
332 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
conversion to Christianity) by Orthodox missionaries to teach
him. He answered that he was already Christian. ' Yes,' said
the Orthodox, ' but you are Unitarian.' ' No,' said the Hindoo,
' but Christian ; ' and he could not understand that all were not
included in that name. ' There,' said King, 'is the base-line for
you: sixty-one hundred miles of space, and at point of observa-
tion a Hindoo brain. See how small an angle these differences
subtend.' 'Perhaps,' I said, 'there is a stand-point where the
differences between two extremes of one denomination will seem
very small.' I said I thought such was the attitude of earnest
work. Don't let us every one be door-keepers to see who shall
come in, but let us go to work.
" Constitution discussed. It developed a curious sort of apathy
and of narrowness, and hesitancy and crotchetiness ; though on the
whole many have helped. The most conservative ones are the
most difficult. They are horrified at sending out even our ' Regis-
ter ' and ' Inquirer ' as they are. Monday, Feb. 18. I have been
writing to twenty different persons for contributions to the army
literature. I feel very anxious now to increase it as much as may
be. I am trying, with Dr. S , to devise some plans of work
for the American Unitarian Association."
We find a printed report prepared for the committee of
teachers for the freedmen's work, stating all the favorable
and discouraging symptoms in their work, but in the main
hopeful, as he always was, without being visionary or un-
practical. We also find cuttings carefully preserved in
regard to the South, valuable statistics of products and
labor emigration, and missionary movements of other denom-
inations from the North, among the Southern people. He
is, as we see, taking his first steps towards the public activity
of the next ten years. We already observe the signs of that
energy which took hold of things in the Association with such
ardor, and at the same time that Christian liberality which
was growing upon him, and helping him to solve many prob-
lems, or else letting them go unsolved in the light of union
for active work. We see, in his record of sermons preached,
that, although his health was tolerably good, his voice was
LAST PAEISH DAYS. 333
so much impaired that he was often obliged to ask a parish-
ioner to read the Scriptures and hymns for him. Seven dif-
ferent gentlemen of his parish at times assisted him in this
way, which looks well for the ability and helpfulness of his
people. Labors of love begin also to be frequent. He is
drawing near the close of his preaching as a settled pastor.
We find, in his minute-book, that his society in Somerville,
this last }*ear of his pastorate, raised for charitable purposes
inside and outside the church 8965.63, which shows, as we
have before said, that the best activities of his own people
were not suffering from his outside work. This sum, consid-
ering the times then, and that the society only numbered
about seventy families, and few wealthy, was certainly very
creditable to them. Before closing this part of his life, we
should like to look at one or two more of his sermons that
year, as they may reflect phases of his thought and life
which we cannot reach in any other way now.
He did not often preach a series of sermons ; but we find
three sermons at this time on the same subject, which are
simple, practical, and we think pithy, in their character.
He has the same text for them all. " A man's life consist-
eth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
He begins by reminding his hearers how the teachings of
Jesus are modified by the age in which he lived, the climate
and surroundings, and the position and work of the disci-
ples. People have followed them sometimes to the letter,
and made them appear impracticable. The great duty is
"to carry out his principles, and find their real permanent
meaning and authority ; to gain an enlightened view of the
value of things, and remember that this value is to be esti-
mated by their worth to the man." " A man's life consist-
eth not in the abundance of the things which he possess-
eth." He says,
"It would be a most salutary thing if men would only learn the
maxim of enlightened self-interest, that property is valuable to
334 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
the owner only so far as it in some way makes him better off. A
very comfortable kind of interpretation of Christian doctrine, it
will be said by those who are always disposed to think of religion
as enjoining harsh and disagreeable things, and, moreover, one
that would rate everybody as Christians, inasmuch as everybody
may be presumed to be inclined to let his property benefit him
in some way. I reply to the first objection, that I believe religion
is meant to be comfortable, if by that is understood having con-
stant and supreme regard to the best interests of the man ; and, as
to the second, I reply that men are far from being always accus-
tomed, even in practice, to aim at making their acquisitions tend
to their own benefit and pleasures."
He illustrates this by the miser, who has no pleasure from
his money, but is always suffering from anxiety about it.
He then comes closer in his application, telling of the mis-
takes that plain people make who have accumulated some
money, and build a costly house which they are miserable in ;
or, worse than this, the mistake of burying money away in
stocks. He grants that a certain accumulation is natural and
proper as a balance-fund : it is like the consciousness of re-
served power, and gives a proper feeling of freedom in
using the rest ; but, beyond that, it is a miserable mistake,
he declares, to save and hoard. It may be argued, that
a man often really enjoys more thinking of his money in
bank and railroad stocks and government bonds than in
spending it ; and there is nothing more to be said on the
ground of pleasure to the person. But a man may acquire
a relish for poison. When a man tells you he enjoys his
money more by seeing it increase, you can safely assure him
that he is under a mistake. He is narrowing his capacity
to enjoy : he will see it perhaps when he dies. The preacher
quotes the fine old epigram: "What I have spent, I had.
What I have given away, I still have. What I have kept, I
have lost." He goes on to speak of the manner of using
money. It should be spent with prudence and liberality.
First, we should keep within our means, and then we should
LAST PARISH DAYS. 335
be liberal. It is a mistake to say that all cannot afford it,
this liberality of spirit. It can be seen as much in the hum-
blest cottage as in the rich man's house. The people who
are always talking about what they can afford, are influenced
in their action, not by the amount of their wealth, but by the
way in which they have suited their scale of living to their
income. Many people live extravagantly, and are pinched
all the time, and close. Others, with far less money, are
never worried, never unable or afraid to give, and have
room for their souls to grow. This spirit of liberality, he
declares, "is as necessary to be reckoned for in our expenses
as the children's education, or the kitchen-fire." He closes
this discourse with an earnest appeal to his people to find
out what is meant by a '* man's life," as it lay in the mind
of Christ, and see how their silver and gold, even, may pro-
cure for them what shall endure when they have left this
earth.
The second sermon of the series has an additional text
from Ezek. xxix. 3: "Thus saith the Lord God; Behold,
I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, who lieth in
the midst of his rivers, who hath said, My river is mine
own." He draws a graphic picture of this Pharaoh, with
"his river," in order to discuss the matter of ownership.
A rich man buys a costly picture, and hangs it up in his
house: "it is his." But he has perhaps no appreciation
of its merit. A poor artist sees it, feels its inspiration,
and carries away its influence to last during all his life's
work. Who is really the owner, the rich man, or the poor
artist? He illustrates the subject further by a picture of
two business-men, one giving every minute to his money-
making ; the other snatching time for wife and children, or
summer and winter rambles, or philanthrop}'. His busi-
ness may go a little behind sometimes, but how much
more he gains in other ways. The other amasses the largest
fortune in the quickest time ; but, when he gets it, he cannot
wean himself from his counting-room, and is as much con-
336 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
fined there as a merchant's clerk. The great wealth he has
accumulated is in one sense no more his than was the
wealth of his employers, when, as a young clerk, he was
managing their affairs in just the same way. The preacher
speaks of the way pompous men sometimes talk of those
whom they employ. A man says, "my shoemaker." He
forgets that the shoemaker owns him just as much, and calls
him " my customer." In the shoemaker's point of view, he
may be merely "A-man-with-money-who-wants-to-be-shod ; "
and his conceit would perhaps be taken down if he saw him-
self reflected in the mind of the shoemaker. He gives a
bright illustration of this equality of assumption and depend-
ence.
" I was in the railroad-car the other day, when the man came
in to sell his popped corn to the passengers, having in his large
basket only a very few packages left. I asked him how it hap-
pened that he was so poorly supplied. ' Oh ! ' he answered, ' / had
a very long train down.' He said it with a kind of simple sin-
cerity of importance which greatly amused the passengers who
heard it, the tone assuming that he was owner of the train."
The preacher, before closing, makes a direct appeal to his
people in regard to their own use of property, and begs
them to pardon him that he has not asked for more money
in the years that have gone by.
The third sermon of the series has still a different text
added to the first. "And their deep poverty abounded
unto the riches of their liberality."
In this sermon he seems to retrace his steps at first. He
says they have been discussing the right uses of money, but
it would have been well at the beginning to have reflected
on the moral and religious allowableness of wealth itself.
It is important first to decide whether Christ forbade it, or
not, if we consider his authority a law, and prevent our-
selves from falling into that wretched position of some
Christians, of indulging in the possession of what their reli-
LAST PARISH DAYS. 337
gion forbids. No condition, he thinks, can be more corrupt-
ing than this. He regrets the position of religious teachers,
who declare riches incompatible with the kingdom of heaven,
and yet say not a word to a rich man about giving up his
wealth. For himself, he s&ys, he finds no difficulty in the
words of Jesus. He does not forget his sweeping appeals
to men to renounce their wealth ; but these are alwaj-s in
cases where the wealth is ruining the man, and serving none
of its highest uses. He says,
*' On the other hand, by many indirect injunctions, by special
parables, as that of the talents, and more particularly by the general
character of his influence on the human soul, and the large and
generous play he seeks to give to man's nature and desires, I find
the approval of a proper enjoyment of riches. He calls us, as the
highest form of his appeal, to be like God. Well, God is rich!
and how splendid is this element of wealth in our conception of
his being! The bounteous Giver, out of a full and overflowing
hand scattering ever from his exhaustless store, with ' his cattle
upon a thousand hills.' How inseparable is such a conception from
our loving and admiring idea of God! Moreover, there is some-
thing which our instincts tell us is not wrong in the pleasure which
comes to us from the consciousness of abundance, the ability to
dispense. Civilization and progress would never be made to depend
on the stimulus which comes from the desire for wealth, if this
desire and its fulfilment were wholly wrong."
He touches now on an important point, which is, who may
properly be called rich. He asks his people to pardon him
if he has misjudged ; but he fancies, that, while he has talked
of the duties of the rich, a large part of his hearers have
seemed to give the sentiments their approval, but have been
"innocent of any personal application," and have, in their
minds, applied it all to a certain few in the congregation who
are generally considered the wealthy families. He asks
them what amount of possessions is necessa^ to make a
man rich. Those whom they call rich look upon others more
wealthy than themselves, and esteem themselves only mod-
338 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
erately well off. He recalls the conversation he had abroad
with an Englishman, who said the Duke of Buccleugh was
not wealthy. He had only two hundred and twenty thou-
sand pounds. People generally, he says, are reluctant to be
called rich. We must remember, that with the increase of
wealth come increased demands on the possessor. He asks
his people now to look at those poorer than themselves.
Wealth is relative. The African chieftain was reckoned a
wealth}* man because he had ten pieces of printed calico,
and five of cotton cloth, says a late traveller. Look in at
people's doors : everybody around is rich in one sense.
There is no one among his hearers, he sa}-s, who cannot take
these sermons to himself. He quotes the third text again, as
showing how the poor Macedonians gave more than Paul
had hoped for the church in Judaea. ' ' Their deep poverty
abounded unto the riches of their liberality." What a
mistake it is, he says, to suppose that giving is a luxury
only for those who own a large amount ! It is the quality,
and not the quantity, of the act that tells. The emotions
excited in the mind of the poor by the generosity of a rich
relative, and the slight kindness of a poor one, are just the
same. It is noticeable how often men, as soon as they suc-
ceed in business, begin to enlarge their style of living. The
wrong is here in making these objects the first and principal
aim. He pities the men who are waiting till the}' shall be
rich before they can take part in the world's benefactions.
In closing, he says,
" There is something fearful in the desire for money in itself.
It grows into one of the most exacting of desires. Solomon says ,
He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver,' etc. The
more he gets, the more the hunger grows, till, as some one has
said, it becomes ' a beggar in his heart,' continually crying ' Give,
give,' wearing out his life by its ceaseless importunity."
We have not attempted to give any connected abstract of
these three sermons, but have only touched upon the most
LAST PARISH DAYS. 339
telling points, in order to show the way in which he got at
his people. Such sermons as these were not the fruit of
great study ; but they show a wide knowledge of human
nature, and elasticity and freedom of st}'le. Even these,
however, are not wanting in a certain kind of finish (or we
might add thoroughness) which it was his instinct to give
to every thing he wrote. They abound in attractive and
forcible illustrations in the way of anecdotes and stories,
which are carefully applied, and do so much always to hold
the average listener.
CHAPTER XXXV.
ARMY-WORK.
1865.
Army Committee of American Unitarian Association. Down
South Again. Letters from Friends. Sympathy for the
People. Observations on the Blacks. Address to them.
Records of Talk with Colored People. Philanthropists.
Hilton Head. On " Arago." Bound North. Reflections.
HE was chairman, as we have seen, of the Army Com-
mittee of the American Unitarian Association. The
work of this committee can never be entirely estimated.
One of its best movements was the publication of the
"white tracts," as they were called by the soldiers, who
were eager to get them. They were short, pithj r , earnest,
patriotic appeals to the soldier to keep himself pure for the
sake of his county, his God, and himself. The Association
afterwards had them collected in a substantial volume com-
prising short sermons, between the years 1861 and 1865,
from some of our best preachers and writers. We are
struck, in going over the list, with the graphic titles, such
as, "The Man and the Soldier," "The Camp and the
Field," " The Home to the Hospital," " Liberty and Law "
(a poem), " Wounded in the Hands of the Enemy," " Trait-
ors in Camp," "On Picket," "The Rebel," "To the
Color," "The Convalescent," " Rally upon the Reserve,"
" Mustered Out." It is well known that the Rev. John F.
W. Ware furnished a large portion of these. His ardent
nature took fire with the opportunity, and " spoke words
ARMY-WORK. 341
that burned." Of these tracts which were distributed, two
had the largest circulation. Of No. 6, "The Home to the
Hospital," 110,000 were distributed: of No. 7, by Rev.
Eobert Collyer, "A Letter to a Sick Soldier," 80,000 were
published. The compiler, in his preface, says, that the num-
ber of copies circulated was smaller than that of similar
publications ; because, first, " we were denied the use of the
principal channels for distribution, and we could only avail
ourselves of such individual services as were offered ; and,
second, that pains were taken that the tracts should not be
carelessly scattered, but only given where they were likely
to be read." This committee (in spite of these drawbacks),
and the Association which voted the money, have reason to
be proud of the mission of these tracts, which make a sub-
stantial and interesting volume in their present form, to hand
down to posterity. Mr. Lowe's general health was pretty
good at this time : but, as we have said before, his voice
was impaired ; and he not only was obliged to ask help in
reading the service from his people, but the labors of love
from brother ministers are now frequent. This condition of
things was, of course, somewhat depressing for him ; but the
malady appears to have been only a throat-affection, and
quite different from that extreme exhaustion from which he
had suffered, and was to suffer in the future, proceeding
from disease of the lungs. He preaches a sermon on the
text, " I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to
be content." This sermon probably reflected his own frame
of mind at the time.
Now come several " labors of love," with one sermon from
him between. In March he administers the communion,
with a brother minister as preacher. Later in the month he
becomes re-animated, and preaches twice, once on " First
the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the
ear ; " and on " All the days of my appointed time will I wait,
till my change come." He chronicles the day as " cold
and windy." He began to think that he would like perhaps
342 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
some earthly change. He preaches once more, and then
goes down to Charleston, S.C., partly to escape the severity
of the spring, and partly to look after the interests of the
Freedmen's Aid Society, of which he was a member.
We find a sermon which he preached in the Unitarian
Church, Charleston, S.C., on the death of President Lin-
coln ; also a note-book containing some jottings of his ex-
perience at the South. Before looking at this, we should
like to glance at a package of letters written to him by dif-
ferent persons in 1864. So few persons preserve their let-
ters, that we must draw our information from the letters he
receives, rather than from those he writes. We shall not
quote, but only touch upon their subjects.
Here is a letter from a young lady who is teaching the
colored children at the South, and she is trying to carry out
his plan by circulating the American Unitarian Association's
reading-matter in the hospitals, etc. Another is from one of
his brave Sunday-school boys, who went through with all the
horrors of Libby Prison. He thanks his pastor for calling
on his mother, and cheering her. . . . Another is from a
young boy in the Massachusetts Cavalry Band at Newport
News, who used to live with him. He writes a most grateful
letter. Here is one from Dr. Russell of the Freedmen's
Aid Society, asking his society to support a teacher at the
South, which the}* did, in the case of Miss Foster of Somer-
ville. Another of his boys writes to him from the army at
Culpepper. Col. Charles L. Peirson writes a warm letter of
friendship from "Before Petersburg." Now the "Freed-
men's Refugee Fair" at St. Louis calls on him for help.
Then a letter from Mrs. E. D. Cheney, in reference to the
work in Boston for the freedmen. Another letter from a
soldier at Beverly Ford. Here is a letter in answer to one
of his to a prominent gentleman in Somerville, in regard to
the evil of a certain liquor-shop in the town. Then comes a
long letter from Dr. Marsh, the efficient and devoted super-
intendent of the sanitary movement at the South, about his
ARMY-WORK. 343
work and needs. An army-officer sends him relics from
Morris Island, and offers to circulate his books. A chaplain
writes from Folly Island, thanking him "exceedingly" for
visiting his wife. His college-friend, Eev. Mr. Tiffany,
writes from New Orleans, where he is recruiting, with a
commission to visit the Massachusetts regiments, and re-
ports : " Slavery is done for in this State," he says. A letter
comes from a lady-relative, who is in Springfield, 111., living
in the homestead of President Lincoln, showing it unwear-
iedly to visitors, and to every poor soldier who stalked in at
her door. She says, " I am a cormorant, in demanding }-our
books for this region. Send all you can." A letter from
one of his soldier-boj's at camp, near Petersburg. A widow
writes to him about her little drummer-boy, in whom her
pastor was interested, to say that he had been rewarded for
his bravery and faithfulness. A note from Mr. Ball of our
India mission, who counted much on his sympath}'. A note
comes from his cousin, the wife of Senator Clark at Wash-
ington, expressing her willingness to help him in distributing
his literature on the outskirts of Washington, among the sol-
diers. His friend, the lamented Rev. Abbot Smith, writes,
saying that he will go down to Norfolk. Rev. E. E. Hale
seconds cordially his missionary plans ; and Rev. Mr. Potter
writes about the freedmen's work, and congratulates him on
the "success of the Army Committee at the War Depart-
ment."
We arrive at the point now when he goes down to South
Carolina. A home-letter reaches him, rejoicing over the
recent victories. Thus we get the journal of events also, as
well as of his own work, through these letters. As regards
his projects, if we do not know exactly what he writes, we
know at least what other people think about his work ; and
that is valuable testimony to his energy, which would not
leave one stone unturned when he once set about any thing.
Now comes another home-letter, filled with deep grief at
the assassination of President Lincoln. He preaches, as we
344 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
have said, a sermon in the Unitarian church at Charleston,
on this painful theme, which seems to have pleased and
affected the people so much by its moderation, and yet firm
loyalty, that it was published by request. A letter from
the American Unitarian Association, through Dr. Stebbins,
thanks him cordially for this sermon, and bids him go on
and do at the South what he thinks fit for the Association.
Then comes a communication from the societ} r in Yonkers,
N.Y., asking him if he would accept a call from them. A
letter from Mr. Parkman, of the Freedmen's Aid Society,
tells him they approve of what he is doing for their work.
They appear to be uniting with the "National Society;"
and he adds, that Miss Stevenson was "in Richmond in per-
son, looking after their interests."
"We can pick out a few jottings, from his little memoranda,
about the freedmen's schools, the teachers, etc., comments
on their character and work. Little frictions are unavoid-
able. He is inquiring if the white schools are paid for by
government. If so, " very unjust," he adds.
" May 11. Much bitterness among the women. One woman,
yesterday, was trying to incite a rebel officer to put on his uniform,
in spite of prohibition. On the other hand, there is much grateful
feeling at our government's delicate way of accepting surrender,
without mortifying circumstances, leaving cannon in the field, etc.
People generally want to move away. They know they can never
again be what they were. . . . Would rather go North than stay
here. Talk some of South America. Many of the best people
think it would be well to have a military rule for a year or two.
They believe it is best to repress the bitter element until tune
softens it.
" The early attempts of the colored people at self-government
are interesting. Garrison Frazar purchased his freedom. Is sixty-
five years old. Was ordained Baptist preacher in 1851. Ac-
quired $6,000 by gardening, at the time our forces occupied South
Carolina. Lost it all. His children were sold from him long ago.
He has been now appointed governor of an island with four dis-
tricts, five councilmeii in each: they settle disputes. . . . No
AEMY-WOBK. 345
trouble since. Some of the councilmen were a little arrogant in
their authority, but it went well generally. The people are fair
average of colored population, and easily governed. . . . The
colored people here have contributions in churches, and lectures;
raised 28 to 30 dollars a week. I suppose, as Mr. R says, we
have little idea of the feeling of want and humiliation among
these people here ; their houses taken ; many of them have none ;
no clothes to their backs; and, even if they have land or bank
or railroad stock, it cannot yet be available. . . . Mrs. R
says the greatest suffering last winter was from cold. ... All
agree that the Confederate soldiers did more harm than Union men.
No case of drunkenness among negroes.
"Gratifying reports of industry. Most planters think the
negroes will fail in rice-crop. It requires persistent labor. They
think the negroes won't work. It will be a great thing if they get
a crop.
"Lieut. Ketchum says they have colonized 10,000 families;
50,000 acres of land. Savannah. The blacks prefer their own
officers. 1 find things very different here from Charleston. To
show the readiness of the blacks to help themselves, in 1859 the
Baptists began to build a church. Did it all by voluntary contri-
butions in church every Sunday. Paid workmen every Saturday
night. Sometimes every dollar gone. Cost $17,000; only $3,000
came from whites. . . . Public schools are being started. Funds
raised by taxes, by confiscated property, etc. The blacks think
it unjust that they do not have a portion. They feel very much
disheartened. The readiness to work is universal. " . . .
Here come items, names of school-teachers, salaries.
" There is a union league in Western Georgia; have held meet-
ings secretly. Six weeks ago they were informed against, and a
body of cavalry came, and assaulted them; but the league was
armed, and fired a volley which scattered them. They recently
captured the local government troop, and gave it over to the
United-States Government. They are going to protest against
guerillas. They are seven or eight hundred strong. Mr. R
says the negroes were greatly demoralized in his part of the country
by the three years of war. Rebel soldiers corrupted the negroes.
It was seen in every way, decline of interest in religious meet-
346 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
ings, loss of honesty and respectful bearing. The planters feel
themselves pretty much ruined. They say now they will never
have a negro on their places again. They submit to the emanci-
pation, and make the best of the riddance. They all fear, that,
as soon as our government ceases to feed them, the blacks will
rise, and overpower the whites."
This is rather a dark -looking picture, given by an eye-
witness who seems impartial. But it may do us good to
read these jottings, warm with the impress of the hour. We
are in danger of growing impatient with the slow progress
of the South in general education and true social liberty.
But, when we read of this chaotic state of things at first,
we may well feel that the prospect is much brighter than it
was then. Those poor, down-trodden men, whom their mas-
ters thought would rise in insurrection as soon as the mili-
tary rule was taken away, began to forget their riotous
habits. The} 7 never were deep-plotting or revengeful. The
best Southern people do not hate the blacks, or wish to get
rid of them. They feel that these people, with all their
imperfections, are born on their soil, destined providentially
now to work out their salvation side by side with the whites.
" Reflections. I see myself the very best of Southern temper,
and yet I believe that the yielding policy won't do. They secretly
cling to the idea that we came down to crush them; have no true
sense of our position. A continued firm policy and rule is the
best preparation for true peace and union. I say it with real sym-
pathy for those who will be aggrieved by this course. The negro
question they will not look at except from the point of old preju-
dice. Even our own people are unreasonable. They are deter-
mined to believe that the negroes won't work; and every case of
' lazy nigger,' they point to, and say, ' There, I told you so! ' with-
out doing any thing to prevent this evil, but every thing to aggra-
vate it. There are, however, real annoyances to the whites. Mr
R has told me to-day the trials with his servants, a certain
uppishness natural from ignorance, and the excitement of new
freedom, but galling to the whites.
" It is proposed on the islands to have the New-England system,
ARMY-WORK. 347
with female colored teachers. Pay three dollars a week, and she
board round in families as formerly in New England. They can
easily secure twenty women now, competent for the work.
" Freedmen's work. Very much pleased with the arrange-
ments in Savannah, etc. Seem to me more orderly and efficient
than iu Charleston. All well systematized by Lieut. Ketchum."
We see, from all his records, what a load of prejudice and
indifference the Freedmen's Aid Societ} T had to struggle with,
in order to do any thing to elevate these innocent and uncle'
veloped people so recently let loose from slavery. All honor
be to that little band of men and women and their support-
ers, and the noble officers of the government, who were clear-.
ej'ed and generous enough to see how necessary was the^
immediate education of the blacks !
We find about this date another little diarj*, which is more
carefully written, and seems to fit in at this place. We quote
from this as far as it goes, and then return to the other jot-
tings. We see here how good men down there first went to
work to show the negroes how to become citizens.
" Savannah, May 10, 1865. Went to meeting of a few promi-
nent colored people in the Bryan market, called by Chaplain
Fowler to deliberate upon affairs.
"Mr. F introduced it by saying that now measures are
being taken to call a convention of the people, to see about putting
the State back into the 'Union.' It is a time to see if, among
' the people,' black as well as white are included. He thought
it best for them to test it by appearing at one of the caucuses,
and trying respectfully to introduce some resolution. If they are
excluded, it will be a tangible fact. Then they can't say here-
after, ' Nobody forbade the blacks: it was a popular law.' Let
them, then, have, as in Kansas, a separate meeting, and let the
Congress of the United States decide. At any rate, it is for them
to maintain their rights. I was called on, and spoke, encour-
aging the thing in the main. Afterwards Sims spoke with real
eloquence. He says eighteen years ago he imbibed ideas of equal
rights. He showed that his slight frame is full of terrible passion,
and power of will, under mild exterior; and his eloquence was
348 MEMOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
very great. They formed a committee to prepare a course of
action. Every thing was done with calmness and ability. It was
interesting to know that many of them were in that very room
once confined as slaves. One, a man of powerful frame, was once
kept there a month, and then sold for thirty-five hundred dollars.
Another, a fine young man with intelligent, pleasant countenance,
told me he had been sold four times since the war began, and his
wife three times. He had resolutely refused to be separated from
her, and had in three instances succeeded in having her bought
with him. It was hard to believe that these intelligent men had
once been mere chattels. This meeting, compared with the white
citizens' meeting a few days ago, was good. The whites were full
of depression and fear and selfishness, cowed, and afraid to be dis-
loyal, but watching to see how much it would be safe to hope and
claim. The blacks, with nothing of whining, were conscious of
their rights, and resolved to maintain them, yet moderate and
docile, and asking only whatever was their due."
What a contrast he gives us in a few words between that
weak, false dignity of birth that has nothing, and claims
every thing, and the native dignity of humanity, that asks
firmly its birthright !
" In the white meeting were the most substantial citizens left in
Savannah, but none accustomed to public speaking, or willing to
come forward. They have a lack of men to lead. Some leading
lawyers have been led to insanity by war: others have fallen into
intemperance after loss of practice and support."
While he sees so clearly the wrong of our misguided
countrymen, he does not let it dull for a moment his sym-
pathy with these unfortunate people in their complete social
ruin.
" There is great blindness among the people as to their true
interests. They cling still somewhat to the hope of their slaves
being restored: can only think of them in the light of chattels.
It is hardly possible they shall not stand aghast at the idea of
their voting. It seems to them as outrageous as for asses to vote.
It is hard that a loyal man like Mr. P should suffer so much.
He has been greatly hampered in his cotton-crops; has lost a great
AEMT-WOEK. 349
deal by being forbidden to sell cotton taken by United States,
even if he recovers his claim. He believes a great corruption
exists among government agents."
Wrong on both sides. It is good to have it all out, that
we may have sympathy for the South. So our stalwart
Union observer thought, and records.
" Saturday, May 13. Had yesterday P.M. a second meeting
of colored people. Room full. Committee reported resolutions.
Lieut. Ketchum spoke admirably, encouraging this action for
right, but also emphasizing moderation, and especially telling
them that they must be very circumspect, referring to piece in city-
paper, accusing them of losing their politeness, and being rude.
He told them he had no doubt, if any such cases had happened,
they were exceptional, but urged, as they were watched by ene-
mies, they must be careful in every way. Then Lieut. Col.
Trowbridge of 33d spoke to much the same purpose, insisting on
their maintaining their right to vote, etc., but also counselling
courtesy and industry."
One of the pleasantest features in his visit South, he often
said afterwards, was his cordial relation with many of our
best and most judicious army officers.
" I was called on, and spoke, advising moderation, and thought
reading and writing, as a qualification in regard to voting, would
be wise. I urged them not to expect every thing at once. To say
they are now fitted for every position that freedom can give,
would be to say there was no disadvantage in slavery. They must
be willing to work and wait, even if it is for their children only.
"Mr. was indiscreet, and had excited them much, telling
them about the offensive articles against them in the paper. I
took it up, and told them the consequences of their starting these
irritable discussions, and trying to obtrude their rights in these
ways. It would rouse that dreadful monster of prejudice; and,
even if they conquered, it would be through terrible conflict and
disaster. They could afford to let these slanders pass, keep all
the wrong on the other side, and have steadily before them the
great ends. I told them how at the North, and in all the world,
there was an earnest watching to see if the emancipation of a
350 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
whole people would be safe. They were to work out the problem,
and it was to be by diligent avoidance of every thing injudicious.
They were to guide the ship through dangerous rocks and shoals.
It might seem manly to put on full sail, and disregard obstacles :
but no ; it required as much manliness to be cautious. It was not
so courageous to knock a man down who insults you, as to pardon
or disregard him. It required more firmness to be moderate and
patient, than to excite others to revenge. I was pleased with the
assent they gave to these words of counsel ; and then two or three
of the colored men followed, indorsing them, as, for instance,
Rev. Mr. C of the First African Baptist Church. I was
pleased with their clearness of comprehension, and knowledge of
parliamentary rules. They managed the meeting very well. Mili-
tary rule must be kept up here."
Gentle as he was by nature, he felt always that firmness
is the true attitude towards the wrong-doer, be it a nation,
or a religious denomination, or an individual.
" Was invited to go and hear some people sing [probably colored]
by young Mr. B , who pleased me so much by his open counte-
nance. I supposed it was some vestry singing-school; but it
proved to be in his own house, a little party, about twelve, of
the young married men and wives, singers in church. P
played the guitar. The conversation was refined; and they showed
an appreciation of music, and a sentiment every way equal to the
best sort of occasions in our Northern towns. They talked on all
subjects freely, and yet with simple familiar pleasantry. I rarely
ever saw any thing more unexceptionable, and it impressed me
more than ever with the good capacity of these people. Nothing
of elation : they enter at once on the enjoyment of domestic life,
unaffected in manner, with no awkwardness or presumption.
" Sunday, May 14. Talked about Charleston. The great need
now is, that the right men come in to take control. It is likely to
be usurped by selfish, ambitious men. I think, however, that
demagogues here are less likely to injure them, than narrow, igno-
rant men. The blacks are easily reached by appeals to the higher
part of their nature; but, if a man is shrewd, he will also get hold
of them.
" I must speak of this at home. Urge those to come down here
ARMY-WORK. 351
who are interested in the highest good of the blacks, and not those
who are merely seeking their fortunes. I must talk with the lat-
ter, and beg them not to peril the great cause by selfishness, but
to think of the blacks. Urge men with capital to go, and give
activity to pursuits. Employment will suppress the bitter feelings
of animosity. If these white people are aggravated by poverty,
and continually made to feel their misfortune, they will do bad
things.
' ' I feel more every day the vast importance of the negro ques-
tion, and the hopefulness of it, as I become more acquainted with
the character and ability of the race; also the difficulties and the
dangers from prejudice, and indiscreet leadership, etc. Who will
be humane, and have regard to both whites and blacks ? Who
will know the blacks well enough, to have faith in their capacity
for freedom ? "
God raises up men and women for the hour, as he lived to
see.
" Monday, 15. The proclamation of President Johnson in re-
gard to Jefferson Davis's hand in the assassination of Lincoln is a
terrible blow to the people. They thought it enough to be beaten,
but now to have this burden of disgrace is awfully humiliating.
They are sick at heart. Their pride is about as sorely troubled
as it is possible to be. The ladies feel that they are responsible
for much of the intensity of secession. They made it hard for
any young man to refuse to go to war against our government.
Now they dread the return of these men. They are afraid they
will be disfranchised. They feel now that it will be impossible
for them to stay in their old homes with fortunes so changed.
My pity is moved, but still I see that the penalty will not be too
great for future security. They feel that it has been a bitter mis-
take; but after a while, if they are let off too easily, the terrible
consequences of rebellion will not be a security against repetition.
Loss of political power I should advise with leniency in other
respects."
Now he starts for Hilton Head to make new observations.
"15th. Steam-tug, U. S. Grant,' for Hilton Head. Delight-
ful day. Letters from Gen. Saxton to the War Department re-
352 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
port 20,000 colored refugees on 100,000 acres. Will soon be
self-sustaining. Memoranda: Call on Mrs. S , and tell her
Miss S is well. She has evening school three evenings a week.
Soldiers and others come in to help, and she writes letters for them.
Interesting evidence of the sober right feeling of our people.
To-day Jefferson Davis came in as criminal. Of course, the de-
sire to see him was great ; and all were disappointed when he was
quietly transferred from one vessel to another in order to be taken
to Washington. The first thought was, that the desire of the
people to see him exposed ought to be gratified. I listened to a
knot of negroes, and some had fought at Wagner. One, the
youngest, said, ' He ought to have been marched through, as they
would have done if they had caught Lincoln.' Another said, ' Oh,
no! he is caught: that is enough.'
" Reflections. Sitting on board at Hilton Head. How differ-
ent from my visit half a year ago! Then the thunderings of
Sumter, a disappointing siege; busy here with new prepara-
tions. Now all is over; and here government- works stopped, and
I saw this morning President Jefferson Davis sail away from his
realm, a prisoner. But fresh work to begin. Promising for the
Southern land. Do not see why all that's good in New England
cannot be transferred here. Climate not nearly so unhealthy or
unfavorable as has been feared.
" Tuesday eve, May 16. I am in Mr. Pillsbury's little office,
where I have found bed and chair during my stay at Hilton Head.
I have my transportation by the ' Arago ' to-morrow, and my
Southern visit is at an end. Nothing could have been more fa-
vorable than my whole visit has been. This afternoon I spent
two hours on the beach in real enjoyment, perhaps heightened by
the prospect of going home, taking long draughts of the balmy
air. Went to the ' Home,' and saw Miss F . She is giving
herself for the sick and degraded, as earnestly as though they
were of her own class and nation. . . . Saw to-day Miss W .
She and Miss F are teachers at Marshland. They have had a
hard time, though they don't complain. They have had to work
from five in the morning until late at night getting fixed, and
then were too tired to sleep; sick part of the time too. Now
they are all arranged, and have more comforts. We must be care-
ful to send hereafter a better provision for the first accommoda-
tion."
ARMY-WORK. 353
So our traveller goes on talking with everybody he can
find who is intelligent, especially the friends of the cause ;
and he records his impression, we think with impartialit}-.
" Bound North. May 17. Very warm. On'Arago.' I share
state-room with Rev. Dr. F of Baltimore, who has been
South, and is going to Washington to see the President. He asks
me for a letter to President Johnson, embodying my opinion."
We find a rough copy of the letter which he makes, leav-
ing the proper formalities to be understood.
" ' Arago.' Steamer is crowded. Among other passengers is
Soule, son of Pierre Soule, class of 1849. Prisoner. On staff of
Beauregard Soule says a very large number of the Confederate
army will go to Mexico, to fight on the side of Maximilian. . . .
Mr. V has three hundred acres planted with cotton by negro
labor. . . . He carries his point by hard and careful training.
He talks with the men, advises them, settles quarrels, tells them
to apply their religion to daily life. . . . Northern employers must
remember the nature of the climate, and not expect such day's
work as they are accustomed to at home.
" Talk with rebel officers. They say the feeling is just as bit-
ter as ever. They harbor all grudges. They say it won't be safe
for people to live in places owned by Southerners. The Confeder-
ate soldiers have learned the use of rifles, and don't care for any-
body's life. They keep note of all who have given special cause
of offence, and wait their day. The bully spirit is predominant."
This is a gloomy picture. We, in our comfortable New-
Enerland homes, knew little of these scenes. Much of this
o '
bullying spirit, we know, subsided under the instinct of self-
preservation, and political motives at work under the new-
order of things. It is painful, however, to confess, that
these low passions were vented upon the black man to an
extent that sickened the heart of the country. We always
knew that the best Southern people condemned such out-
rages on the negro, but neither they nor our government
could at once put their hands upon the offenders.
354 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
" The army is composed of men of ignorant and narrow minds,
who have learned the business of war, who want nothing but a
little bacon and meal and the excitement of campaigning. They
will live on murder and pillage. Young men, like their officers of
high blood, are enraged at loss of every thing, and feel insulted
at negro freedom and suffrage: if they stay, it is only for want
of means to go. I fear they will train up their children to hate
the North."
This was exactly the way the thing looked then. But,
fortunately, we cannot keep up family and provincial feuds
in this county, or even national ones. People are continu-
ally changing places. The new-comer there, even though a
Southerner, cared more for his pocket than for old grudges
that never touched his family. That fiery, unpractical spirit
was killed in the South with that " peculiar institution "
which kept men on their landjs, made labor a disgrace, and
invited no new-comers.
" Our officer, who was quarter-master, and in high position,
and personally intimate with Davis, says the guerilla warfare was
recognized by the Confederate Government Wherever the guer-
illas may be, they will make it unsafe for Northern people without
our government's protection. They say the oath of allegiance
amounts to nothing. They anticipate in all parts of the world
opportunity to make mischief. Evidently, with them, the assassi-
nation of Lincoln is considered a blunder rather than a crime."
We are too near these events for regular history of them ;
but these pictures of the state of things then, may now
encourage both South and North. Some of these impartial
jottings show, too, that the Northern people down there,
even the philanthropists, were not always possessed of wis-
dom, as, for instance, the following :
"Mr. V says is somewhat fanatical, and often unjust
in his excitement: he tells the negroes not to work unless they
get two dollars a day, etc. Some of our generals are very indis-
creet, and have no real power over their soldiers."
Here ends this little, hasty journal, fragmentary, and yet
ARMY-WORK. 355
giving us true though shifting pictures from the panorama of
events in this crisis of our country's life. We find a copy
of a letter to his young friends, which shows that he did
not forget his Sunday school at home. He describes a May-
day festival of the blacks, who were especially gay at being
free. They were going to consecrate a field where Union
soldiers were lying. These men, carried to Charleston as
prisoners, had died from cruel neglect ; and their bodies
were carelessly buried in this spot.
" The negroes had worked night and day to clear away the>
rubbish from the place ; and May Day it was ready for consecra-
tion, and was enclosed with a neat fence. All the stores and
schools were shut up for the occasion. The field was about two
miles from the city; and the children went in processions with
bouquets, and covered the place with flowers, and returned singing
patriotic songs. After that, the grown people marched in pro-
cession around the graves ; and then religious exercises consecrated
the place. Then there were speeches at the race-course stand to
an audience of several thousand people. I had to make a speech.
I told them that freedom in itself would not bring many such gay
holidays: they must work patiently and laboriously, as our New-
England fathers did, and struggle with difficulties, if they hoped
to secure liberty for their children. I went by invitation to meet
Gen. Sherman, just coming up the harbor. I also met Admiral
Dahlgren, commander of the fleet."
He closes with a vivid description of the harbor, and the
vessels-of-war, and the flag-ship of the admiral decked with
pennons, and the general's steamer, and the gun-boats and
monitors all around that took part in the war. He hopes
we are going to have a real peace, and prays the children to
live so that they may grow up to be ornaments of the State,
and learn from the Southern Rebellion that true moral and
religious character can alone save us from such scenes of
war again.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
HOME AGAIN.
1865.
Address to the Young'. Letters. Discourse. Letters from
Miss Stevenson and Mrs. Cheney. Speech at New- York
Meeting. Election as Secretary of American Unitarian As-
sociation. Fare-well to Parish. Activity of the Association.
" Monthly Journal."
ONE of his first acts on his return seems to have been
to write an address for the children and young people
of his Sunday school. He describes the beautiful city of
Charleston to them, and then speaks of its desolation, the
flying shells, the ruined homes, the poverty and misery
around. Then he tells the story of noble Union citizens
there, who stood by our flag amidst all persecutions, and
died for it at last. He tells how these men would find each
other out in secret, and meet in some concealed place, and
take out the flag, and salute it. He speaks of women who
showed the greatest courage in protecting Union men. One
of them was a poor black woman, once a slave, who had
laid up five hundred dollars, and spent it all feeding our
poor soldiers. He speaks of the Belief Bureaus of our
government, where the hungry people, white and black,
crowd for food, and how we must provide work as the best
help for them. And he shows the children how they are
doing this by getting the colored people on to the little
islands, where they can work without being molested ; and
bringing the young into schools, that they may be educated
HOME AGAIN. 357
to earn their living. His own society in Somerville, as we
have said, bore a very creditable part during the war, and
afterwards in helping educate the blacks. They sent their
own teacher from Somerville.
A letter comes from one, anxious lest President Johnson
should let the Southern States get under the control of the
old planters. He signs himself, " Your Brother-in-arms."
A delicately written letter is from a Southern lady, who
sa} r s she can say a "hearty Amen" to his printed sermon
preached in Charleston. She is obliged to take boarders.
Some of the " chivalry" treat her as if she were always a
" landlady ; " but she keeps up good courage, and has some
fine guests. A vigorous letter comes from Capt. Ketchum
of Georgia, who appears to be occupied with judicial ques-
tions. The negro must have a title to his land. Until then
his vote is worth nothing. " Why will not Congress act
promptly and wisely? " he says. The colored rice-planters
"'are making mince-meat" of the slaveholders' theory, that
gangs of men must have the eye of the white overseers.
He thanks Mr. Lowe for his photograph, and says that his
views, as expressed in his recent discourse, on the " Condi-
tion and Prospects of the South," are right in every par-
ticular. This discourse was preached to his people June 4,
1865, and was afterwards published. It appears to be the
last but one that he wrote for his parish. It is very carefully
prepared, and seems to be the summing-up of his unbiassed
conclusions on his return from the South. A letter comes
from Miss Foster, his Somerville teacher at Richmond, Va.
Speaking of the fear of insurrection expressed by the whites,
she says, "I think those who have been able to go among
the colored people are the ones to judge of this. They are
the most orderly and quiet people here. Their hearts are
full of gratitude, and forgiveness for past ill usage."
Another letter is from a worker at Baltimore. He is not
satisfied with the way the freedmen's work is going on
there, but they are aided by the New-England Union ; and
358 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
he says, " We have come to the conclusion to do in the mat-
ter what }"ou suggest."
The last sermon which he wrote for his people came after
this address. It is on the text, "He abhorreth not evil."
This discourse, as his last written word to them, is signifi-
cant, as touching upon a subject which seems to be now,
as it was then, an important one, so far as the purity of our
national character is concerned. He lays great stress upon
the abhorrence of evil, rather than the mere avoidance of it.
This is the difference he would make, perhaps, between ear-
lier times and now.
"The present period of the world ranks high for general moral
character, sobriety, and domestic virtue, etc. If these virtues
were of themselves complete proofs of all that is desired in char-
acter, nowhere could there be found a better place for training
than in the finest New-England society. Yet, when we visit some
of our best-ordered homes, we often find the governing principle
on which the good behavior has been based, is not such as will
abide as a lifelong restraint, and do not wonder so much when
many instances are reported in which men trusted, and counted
virtuous, yield to temptation, and commit great crimes. They
are not taught to abhor evil: they are taught to do right from
superficial motives, to which self-interest gives the animus, and
social custom the standard. When the government trusts to
men's honor to give in the inventory of their estates, in order
to assess the tax, let the practice of evading by prevarication or
withholding be started, and you find our ' honest men ' follow-
ing it till it is carried so far that some people's interests begin to
suffer from the frauds, and an outcry is made which makes pub-
lic sentiment demand more just returns."
See, he says, how often, among the most zealous advo-
cates of a noble cause, you find acts of meanness or wrong,
which show that some acquired interest in this particular
cause is controlling them, rather than a strong idea of good
and evil, which would make them equally alive to it in regard
to all causes, and in every point. He quotes Channing's
fine passage when he sa3~s, " If by one wrong we could lib-
HOME AGAIN. 359
erate millions, we must wait, and let the work be reserved
for other times and hands ; " and Lincoln, who would not
in the beginning of the war liberate the slaves, and replied
to reformers, "I believe I am not wanting in courage or
interest in what yon urge, but I dare not do a wrong."
Miss Hannah E. Stevenson, in a letter, testifies to the
importance of his services in the freedmen's work. She
says,
" In this work I had large opportunities to test the value of his
clear judgment, and honorable motives, and generous impulses.
When any matter was complicated, no one could give counsel and
lend stouter aid than he. How often I have found that I could
lay down a burden when his cheering voice and inspiring smile
lightened up the little office in Studio Building! He had a mar-
vellous power of seeing straight to the truth. It was his rare
gift."
Mrs. E. D. Cheney, another devoted worker, says,
" The last time I saw him was at the freedmen's meeting,
when he seemed as full of enthusiasm on the subject as in the
early days of the work, and loath to give up the care of the schools,
however clear the necessity. I sat next him, and had a very pleas-
ant feeling of sympathy and communion with him at the time."
He makes an address before a New- York meeting of our
brethren on missionary work. He modestly states that he
supposes he had the honor of being asked to speak before
the convention, on account of his position on the Army
Committee of the American Unitarian Association. We will
look at this address, because it gives the keynote to his
future work. He speaks first of their army literature, and
the "wide correspondence with all parts of the country,"
which has grown out of it, "touching the question of the
acceptableness of their views." He says,
"I make great allowance for the dearth of reading-matter in
the army, and the eagerness to get hold of any books ; but, remem-
bering all this, there has certainly been a demand for our books
360 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
in particular. No one letter that I receive could give to you the
firm impression I have, that men's minds and hearts are open
everywhere to the kind of religious influences we have to bring.
There is a reality to me as never before in the gospel picture,
' The fields are white for harvest.' I answer the charge that we
are trying to drive other denominations from the field, by saying
that I, as one engaged in this army-work, anticipate for other
denominations also a large increase of activity and growth; though
I am sure that they will be more liberal than heretofore. There
is room enough for all, and there are minds suited to all; and
many who belong to no religious organizations are touched by us
in a way to make our opportunities very great. There are plenty
of croakers, as there always are when new activities are started."
Some of them were afraid our work was not denomina-
tional enough. So he has to explain how the Association
is helping at Savannah and Charleston, even though it has
no churches to build, or preachers to send there ; and how
all over the South there is need of education for both whites
and blacks. Another important question was, how to get
laborers for this work. Many believed in it, but despaired
of the workers. The committee had no fear of that. He
expands here with his enthusiasm into a figure of the tide,
and shows how the rising interest in this great cause covers
the flats of depression around, and gives new life every-
where. Pastors are longing to leave their flocks. The
most remote churches of our faith feel the impulse. The
people must make sacrifices, and give up their leaders.
The quiet shades of the theological schools have not es-
caped, and the students have risen to the hour. Money was
now the great thing wanted ; and he had pleasure in saying,
that, instead of the sum of $6,000 of former years, they had
now in the treasury $100,000, " with a good wish on every
dime."
Here is the first record we have of this large sum of
money, raised through his efforts and the aid of other zeal-
ous workers. It created a new feeling in the denomination.
HOME AGAIN. 361
We have no journal to record how he worked, but we be-
lieve it was his habit to go and talk personally with the most
wealth}' and generous men in our societies ; and, having
insured their co-operation at the start, he set wheels in
motion throughout the churches, and in many cases visited
parishes, and kindled them by his own zeal.
Now cornes up another class of malecontents, who are not
satisfied with the reading- matter sent out. They fear " The
Register" and "Inquirer" are not orthodox enough, or
old-fashioned Unitarian enough, for the soldiers ; and, rather
than send these, they would prefer to send nothing at all.
Now, he was something of an old-fashioned Unitarian him-
self, but he had the greatest impatience with this spirit. He
saA's, " I feel much respect for the theological sentiments of
these friends. I mainly accord with them, but in this mat-
ter they make a great mistake." He shows how the ortho-
dox chaplains outdo them in liberality, as seen in many
letters from them, praising our papers. It was painful to
him " to see brethren declining to help because things
weren't quite to their mind." He tells a story:
"I began to plant some pease one spring, and found a little
insect had eaten out the life of the seed, and died. I said to my
man, 'Now, John, we must stop, and pick over our seeds.'
' Well,' said John, ' I don't know; seems to me that will take a good
deal of time. Suppose we put in double the quantity, to allow for
some not sprouting. I guess the bugs won't grow.' I talked with
a liberal orthodox man one day about some of their own publica-
tions which contained narrow, outgrown doctrines. I asked him
if he was willing to circulate them. The orthodox man said
' Yes: ' he knew these tracts were conveying in the main the great
truths of Christianity; and, although he disapproved of some of
the doctrines, he trusted to the sifting process going on in the
minds of men to prevent the error from doing harm. I beg you
to have this same faith in the power of truth, when they try to
spread liberal Christianity, and comprehend how there are correc-
tions against errors in the heart of the receiver, better than any
whining or fears. They will thus lift men to a noble humanity,
362 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
a sweeter faith in God, will quicken the spirit of philanthropy,
raise civilization to a higher plane, and in time, by this very
working, become more pure in tone themselves. Let us put all
narrowness aside, and, looking only towards the harvest-field, be
willing, all, to go in together, and reap for the Lord. ' '
Our material is scanty for a year or two. He does not
seem to have preserved much, except here and there minutes
of speeches. His files of newspapers do not begin until
1869, which would indicate that he did not publish any
thing regularly until that time. His sermons have been
heretofore our guide, but he has now stopped writing ser-
mons ; and most of his public and written addresses at con-
ferences come on later. He was evidently moving on all
sides in the matter of denominational work and the rais-
ing of money. On the 5th and 6th of April, 1865, the Uni-
tarian denomination held a National Conference, which,
according to its published report', owed its organization to
the special meeting of the American Unitarian Associa-
tion in December, 1864. At this meeting an active mem-
ber moved that $25,000 be raised. A layman jumped up,
and proposed that they should raise $100,000. It would
be easier to raise that sum for a work of this kind than
to raise $10,000. The Rev. Dr. Bellows of New York
presented a resolution, from which sprang the National
Conference the next April. Mr. Lowe does not appear to
be on the committee for this conference ; but he had un-
doubtedly been helping to prepare the way for this outburst
of new feeling, by the avenues which he had opened while
on the Army Committee of the American Unitarian Asso-
ciation, and in the Freedmen's Aid Society work. Knotty
questions of doctrine and Christian usage were now to
come up, and endanger activities ; and the point seemed
to be more and more how to avoid hair-splitting in the
constitution of the conference, or the emphasis of creeds,
and yet to preserve the Christian platform. It is not the
province of this memoir to discuss the nature of this con-
HOME AGAIN. 363
troversy in the body, except in so far as Mr. Lowe was an
actor in it. The time had not yet come for him : and we
may simply say that preambles were submitted and with-
drawn, reports from active organizations were heard ; the
preamble was afterwards discussed, and wisely reduced to
the simplest limits of a common belief to hold Christians
together. Addresses and speeches were made ; and the con-
vention dissolved, feeling that it had given great stimulus
to generosity and work. It is worthy of note, that the con-
vention declared that its resolutions were only expressions
of its majority, and in no way binding on those who objected
to them, but depended entirely for their acceptance, on their
own merits in the churches. It made no claim to be any
thing but an advisory body in the denomination. It was
sanguine. It talked about raising twice a hundred thousand
dollars ; but it remained afterwards for the cool-headed men,
with their feet on terra firma, to go forward, and do bravely
the hard work which resulted in the generous contribution
from the churches of which we have already spoken. The
June number of " The Monthly Journal " has literary merits
of no mean description, but it does not lose hold of its main
idea; and it announces triumphantly that the $100,000 is
raised, and $11,676.74 over. We ought in this connection
to say that this valuable little journal was originally estab-
lished by the Rev. James Freeman Clarke, who was then its
editor.
The fortieth annual meeting of the American Unitarian
Association was held at the Hollis-street Church, Boston, on
May 30, 1865. Mr. C. C. Smith, treasurer, read the finan-
cial report. The executive committee then gave a cheering
report of missionary work. We have already got the items
from Mr. Lowe's journal of the number of army-tracts, be-
sides papers, distributed, but not wasted, among soldiers
eager to receive. This report confirms what we have already
heard from Mr. Lowe, that he visited hospitals and camps
South, and, by personal interviews with officers and men,
364 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
arranged for the distribution of our literature, and by his
correspondence did the same with the army west in the val-
ley of the Mississippi. The report touches upon the diffi-
culties under which they labored from sectarian jealousy.
At length, by the courtesy of Hon. T. D. Eliot, an eminent
Unitarian layman, and representative in Congress, the Amer-
ican Unitarian Association got a commission to visit the
army and hospitals, through the War Department. All this
also we have had intimation of through Mr. Lowe's diary.
After this report, able speeches were made by Dr. Eliot
of St. Louis, and Dr. Bellows and others. These were
palmy days for our denomination. Dr. Eliot was all aglow
for the work of the West, and Dr. Bellows was up to white-
heat. He tells the American Unitarian Association, if they
don't give the last dollar wanted for Antioch College before
the 21st of June, he will come with a " spiritual pistol, and,
applying it to their head, demand the money." Mr. Lowe
was called out to speak about the wants of the South. He
tells of the pecuniary distress of the best people, and some
of them in our Unitarian Church at Charleston. He reads
a touching letter to this effect. People's feelings are all
ready to be moved. There is no stagnation in the air. Such
enthusiasm is the dear compensation we have for great
national struggles. "For Heaven's sake, do something! "
says the minister who wrote the letter. " Take up a collec-
tion," says a voice in the audience ; and the thing was done.
Ministers also sprang up, and pledged new sums from their
societies to add to the money of the Association. A gen-
uine revival it was.
Business, however, must come, as well as talk ; and Dr.
Gannett, as chairman of the nominating committee, sub-
mitted a report. It is lengthy, and we cannot quote it
here. It is sufficient to say, that the nominating committee
wished to return to the original idea of the Association,
and have a general secretar}* their chief executive officer,
' clothed with full authority, with a body of officers behind
HOME AGAIN. 365
him to sustain him." The president should be a man of an
honored name, to give dignity to the board, but not neces-
saril} r an active worker. Hon. John G. Palfrey was nomi-
nated president, Messrs. Henry P. Kidder and George
Livermore vice-presidents, and Mr. C. C. Smith was re-
nominated treasurer. These officers were accepted. The
main difficulty was with the secretaryship. They paid Dr.
Stebbins, the existing president, the compliment to suppose
that he would not, and ought not to, be on the retired list.
They wished him to take the secretaryship. Dr. Stebbins,
having served long and ably as president, declined to accept
this position, and resigned the presidency. Dr. Stebbins
was urged to withdraw his declination of the new office, but
he felt it unwise to do so. A motion was made, that Mr.
George "W. Fox, who had served the Association faithfully
for several years, should be retained in his office. Dr. Bel-
lows, with others, spoke in cordial terms of Dr. Stebbins's
energy and ability, and said, the laymen will say, " He can
get that hundred thousand dollars out of us, and we don't
know any other man who can." Other gentlemen spoke to
the same effect. Finally Dr. Stebbins consented to hold the
office of secretary until the 1st of July. A vote of thanks
was passed to the president for his valuable services during
three years, and also to other officers. The meeting then
adjourned. We see now what office the pastor, the subject
of this memoir, was entering upon.
On May 29, 1865, there was a meeting of the executive
board of the Association. Dr. Stebbins expressed his will-
ingness to hold the office of secretary until July, but would
prefer to resign at once, and leave the board to fill the va-
cancy. As it seemed to the board very desirable, that, if
another secretary must be chosen, he should enter upon his
duties at once, the resignation of Dr. Stebbins was accepted.
It was voted that a committee be appointed to nominate a
secretary, and to define the duties of that office, distinguish-
ing them from those of the assistant secretary. Messrs.
366 MEMOIR OF CHAKLES LOWE.
Hedge, Clarke, and Sawyer were then chosen to constitute
this committee. It was voted, in accordance with the rec-
ommendation of the Association at its annual meeting, that
Mr. George "W. Fox be appointed assistant secretary. Mr.
Fox was then elected secretary pro tempore, and duly quali-
fied. Some other business was done, and the meeting ad-
journed. On June 12 they held another meeting. The
nominating committee first defined, by request, the duties of
the secretary as distinguished from those of the assistant
secretary. The majority of the committee then presented
the name of Rev. Charles Lowe as a candidate for sec-
retary. The minority reported in favor of "postponing
action." The majority report was adopted. It was voted
to proceed to the choice of a secretary by ballot, which
resulted in the election of Rev. Charles Lowe ; he receiving
ten of the eleven votes, the other being a blank. A com-
mittee was then appointed to wait upon Mr. Lowe, and
notify him of his election. The committee returned with
Mr. Lowe ; and he accepted the position, and was then duly
qualified as secretary by the president. On June 14 another
meeting was held, and the standing committees were an-
nounced as appointed at the last meeting.
Thus we see our minister about entering upon a new field
of action. It was a happy combination of circumstances
which relieved him of pastoral work at this time, and
offered him a sphere so well suited to his taste and abilities.
We may say, perhaps without exaggeration, that he had
fairly earned the post by the vigor and wisdom of his
action when on the Armj* Committee of the Association ; but
he none the less recognized his election as a compliment
from his brethren in the ministry, and from the laymen, and
was resolved to prove worthy of their confidence.
The time of his separation from his parish draws near.
He tells his people that he has received an invitation to
become the secretary of the American Unitarian Association.
He would not have cared to change his parish for another,
HOME AGAIN. 367
as is proved by his rejection of various opportunities of
that kind ; but his voice was for the present impaired, and
this invitation seemed to meet the wants of a nature that
could not long remain inactive. So he asks a dismission in
a few words, saying that he does not bid them farewell : his
new field of work is not far distant, and his home will con-
tinue to be among them. This resignation was printed, as
also the cordial resolutions offered by the society. Thus
ended his parochial relations with a society which had the
most affectionate and trustworthy relations with him as its
pastor, and alwa}-s showed itself ready to co-operate with
him in all good works. His continued residence in Somer-
ville made the separation less painful on both sides ; and his
people saw that he needed a change, and felt that they ought
not to prevent him from accepting a situation for which he
seemed so well fitted.
We have now to look for material in " The Monthly Jour-
nals" and files of "Christian Registers" which he preserved,
saying, as we recall, that they were " the only record he
had of his work for the Association." We find a little
circular, published by the " Soldiers' Memorial Society,"
giving a report of the "Wilmington Free School," and the
money they had expended in relieving the white population.
They had also been turning their attention to industrial
schools, in which Mr. Lowe was much interested.
It is pleasant to see how the American Unitarian Associa-
tion was developing an elastic spirit which made it ready to
" lend a hand " in so many outside enterprises at this time.
The Association appears to have had the oversight of these
schools, which, in other words, means, that it aided in their
support through contributions, which it raised from generous
persons all over New England. There were not wanting
those who were ready to cavil about this work, and criticise
the American Unitarian Association. The recipients at the
South got together, and drew up a set of resolutions, saying,
among other things, that they, " the offspring of maimed
368 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
and deceased Confederate soldiers, recognized with deep
gratitude the generosity of the American Unitarian Associa-
tion, and looked with scorn and contempt upon those who
would seek to tarnish the name of these noble people." We
do not know the cause of this ill feeling in the public ; but it
was probably owing to a fear of our religious opinions, which
we must pardon in the Southern, as well as the Northern,
people, who were under the influence of the same prejudices.
Mr. Lowe replies in a temperate and cordial manner, saying
that the Association recognized no distinctions of section or
State, but welcomed all as brothers and sisters who were
faithful in their allegiance to our common country, and that
he trusted their animosities would soon be entirely forgotten.
We must from time to time examine the volumes of the
little "Monthly Journal" of news from the churches. As
we cast our eye over them, we feel, as we did at the time,
that this monthly publication was the best thing we ever had
to keep us alive. Its cost was small, and it went right into
people's hands. Many persons continually assured him of
its value ; and yet there were not wanting those economists
who talked about its being money thrown away, and the
ministers were sometimes dilatory about circulating his cop-
ies in their parishes. He does not edit "The Journal"
until September ; but his able co-laborer, the former presi-
dent, Dr. R. P. Stebbins, had gone hand in hand with him
in the prosecution of all good enterprises, and kept them
foremost on the pages of " The Journal."
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE NEW SECRETARY.
1865-1866.
Denominational Work. -" Monthly Journal."- Conference to
Somerville. Missionary Enterprises. Southern Failure.
Conference in Springfield. Mr. Lowe's Speech. New
Openings. Publications. Birth of a Second Daughter.
Maine Missions. - National Conference. - Affecting Discus-
sion. - Pine Spirit. Meadville. Generous Contributions.
Good Ending.
IN accordance with the newly adopted by-laws of the ex-
ecutive board of the Association, the secretary became
ex-officio editor of "The Monthly Journal," under the di-
rection of the committee on publications. The new editor
takes the occasion to make some explanation in regard to
what he believes to be the true object of the Association.
He wishes the reader to understand that "The Journal" is
the only direct organ of the Association. It will report the
proceedings of the executive committee and the missionary
operations of the Association. He says, "The Journal" will
not look for guidance bej'ond the unmistakable voice of the
denomination. . . . This voice demands that it shall be cath-
olic and liberal, but, at the sam'e time, positive and assured.
Liberality would not require that every thing, however ex-
treme in either direction, should be admitted to its pages,
or that they should insert articles which would disturb the
harmony of the denomination. He refers to the national
conference as their guide. There was a common ground of
370 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
feeling and belief large enough to make active co-operation
possible, on a scale so generous and ample, as to give to all
a joy and hope such as never thrilled them before. So there
was ground large enough in this journal to give interest to
discussion and thoughts that lay within its compass, provided
they were able and alive. He relies on the willingness of his
brethren to give the best fruits of heart and brain to ' k The
Journal," which they intend shall have a wide circulation.
He gives a report of the circulation of our books, especially
Channing. Ministers, he says, fancj' that their own people
are acquainted with Channing ; but he will venture to say,
that there are as many persons within a hundred miles of
the State House who have never read a volume of Chan-
ning, as in any circle with similar radius in any part of the
United States. He urges the pastors to start some person
on the work in their own neighborhood. We see how he
endeavored to set all the wheels of the denomination at work
with the American Unitarian Association, instead of carrying
on their operations alone. This number has memorials, a
sermon, reports of week, and book-notices. He devotes
twelve pages to the proceedings of the executive committee
of the Association. He gives the items of expenditure
and the votes of money to certain men or societies ; but he
knew that mere statements of appointed sums will not warm
up people, or take hold of their attention. The} 1 will not
read them, and yet will complain afterwards when things
are done wrong, and they themselves knew nothing about it.
So he enlarges upon these votes of money, shows the why
and wherefore, and how the committee deliberated. He pub-
lishes two letters from England, which had apparently been
called forth by the cordial relations with English Unitarians
which he was opening through correspondence.
The October number opens with a rousing address from
Rev. A. D. Mayo on the call to the Unitarian ministry. . . .
Dr. Bellows writes on " Rural Parishes." Rev. Calvin
Stebbins gives a report of his work at Charleston ; and the
THE NEW SECRETARY. 871
society at Woburn, Mass., is highly praised for its vigor and
liberality in building a substantial church. So the editor
keeps his eye round on all things, small and great, knowing
that these personal sympathies are the great propellers of
the truth. The report of the executive committee closes this
month.
He opens the November number by giving an account of
the preaching done by twelve ministers in Maine and New
Hampshire, etc., during their country vacations, publishing
several reports from our most valued men, and defending
warmly these new societies from the charge of weakness, on
the ground that these country people, though few in number,
have more of the true church feeling than suburban parishes,
and, when they go abroad, carry their good habits with them.
He writes quite a eulogistic memorial of Mr. George Liver-
more, whose loss was so severely felt in our denomination
that year. Mr. Livermore was one of the vice-presidents of
the board of the Association. Mr. Lowe was also endeavor-
ing to make a complete collection of Unitarian literature for
the American Unitarian Association. The sub-committees
were all active in their reports of work being done North and
South by ministers and laymen ; and Miss Amy Bradley, at
the secretary's suggestion, was authorized to visit the vari-
ous military stations. In an editorial of the December num-
ber, he presses the work of preaching at the South, showing
the inflammatory character of Southern pulpit discourses
still, and the need of Northern preachers there. Other New-
England preachers would go. Why should we hold back?
In an article called "Army Work," he gives a letter from
Miss Bradley, whom he calls "one of the most efficient
friends of the soldier during the war." He is hitting at a
plan of serving our returned soldiers and nurses. He asks
all the ministers to send him a list of the men or women
who went from their churches to aid the cause of the gov-
ernment. He wants to get hold of them, enlist them in
agent's work, urge them to send books, and, above all, to
372 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
serve those who, he says, have " more claim now upon our
grateful sympathy than an}- other class of men." Professor
Brigham writes an interesting report of the one thousand
students at Ann Arbor, Michigan University, and his large
Bible-class. A meeting of the Cambridge Ministerial As-
sociation was held at Somerville, Nov. 14, of such a char-
acter, that, he says, it deserves notice in "The Journal."
Instead of having merely the regular meeting of ministers,
the secretary, with the consent of the American Unitarian
Association, invited all the lay delegates included in that
Association, who attended the National Conference, to meet,
and discuss the best methods of raising money for mission-
ary work the coming year. The secretary of the American
Unitarian Association opened the subject, and was followed
b}~ the secretary of the New- York convention, Rev. E. E.
Hale, who stated that the convention resolved that there
should be an annual contribution to the American Unitarian
Association of one hundred thousand dollars, and was ready
to give itself to the work. A fine discussion followed. All
were in good spirits ; and the delegates, the secretary says,
" were among the most influential and able men of their
churches." They were entertained with a collation by the
ladies of the Somerville Society in the vestry of the church,
and the meeting was a great success. The executive com-
mittee, in their report which follows, recommend that similar
meetings of the laj^men with the ministers' associations be
held in the various counties. The advantage was, that the
secretary would be able to address, at one meeting, repre-
sentatives from various societies, and the la}Tnen would give
" their experienced counsel and personal service " in raising
money for good works.
We take up the next volume of "The Journal " for the year
1866. He opens the January number with a few words upon
the times. A vast army, he says, has been suddenly dis-
banded, and instantaneously absorbed. A new era of pros-
perity had begun. He believed the present experience of
THE NEW SEGEETAEY. 373
prosperity might give to us that generosity and largeness
of character, the want of which was noticeable in the Puri-
tan type. He shows how at this time religious teaching is
especially needed, and how many are ready to hear our
liberal gospel. A second short editorial is on our denomi-
national work. He speaks of unsectarian institutions of
learning. He ends the article by urging parents to take
heed of the kind of religious influences to which they expose
their children, and men of wealth and benevolence to see
that their benefactions go into the right places. This num-
ber keeps up the spirit of work. Besides one or two reli-
gious articles from valued preachers, it gives us two reports
from business-men in Calcutta, commending Mr. Ball's
work, one from Richmond, Va., one from Charleston, S.C.,
one from San Francisco, and one from Iowa.
Mr. Lowe opens the February number with an article on
" Foreign Missions," giving some reasons why our views of
salvation would naturally make us less urgent for the welfare
of the heathen, and yet showing how we ought not to be
indifferent to their condition. This is followed by an article
from Dr. Clarke on "Our India Mission," warmly encour-
aging our missionary, Mr. Dall. Among many successes we
must recount some failures of the Association. The Charles-
ton (S.C.) church-mission at that time failed. At the re-
quest of the Unitarian Church there, a competent man, Rev.
C. Stebbins, was sent by the Association to preach. Mr.
Lowe accompanied him on his mission. The expenses of
preaching were not only paid by the Association, but all kinds
of pecuniary aid were delicately offered in a way not to wound
self-respect. But a bitter sectional animosity sprang up.
The people declined to hear our preacher, and voted to give
the church for the time being into the hands of the Metho-
dists. The American Unitarian Association committee were
shocked at such seeming ingratitude and sectional hostility.
They approved of Mr. Stebbins's course. Their first impulse
was, to hold a church, built and consecrated to liberal Chris-
374 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
tianity ; but they dreaded to violate congregational independ-
ence, and at length decided to give it up into the hands of
its former holders. Mr. Lowe addressed to them a letter
stating gravely the case, reminding them that they were the
first suppliants to the Association, of the cordiality with
which their requests were received, and the continued gen-
erosity of the American Unitarian Association. It was as
Unitarians that they applied, but only one condition was
required of them ; and that was, a declaration of common
obedience to the Government of the United States. Not
one word of complaint had come, that their preacher and
missionary had not done his duty. Not one of the offer-
ings of the American Unitarian Association had been refused.
The society had not seen fit to communicate with the As-
sociation ; but it was evident that this was a sectional hos-
tility, and not a personal objection towards Mr. Stebbins.
His conduct, so far as the American Unitarian Association
could judge, merited their fullest commendation. But the
affair was now, Mr. Lowe says, assuming a form far from
agreeable to their purpose as a religious body ; and they
therefore withdrew from their connection with a society where
their well-meant efforts had been so ill received. Thus
ended the Charleston mission at that time. We have thought
it proper to give some report of this controversy ; because it
was no mere local quarrel, but involved questions of our
national harmony and life. These were the last sparks of
that sectional animosity- manifested towai'ds the North, which
was by and by to fade away before the advance of freedom
and a better civilization.
A meeting of the Franklin Evangelical Association of
Ministers was held in Springfield in the autumn, in conjunc-
tion with the laymen who represented the county at the
National Conference, after the manner of the one held in
Somerville . This is reported in ' ' The Journal. ' ' These were
significant meetings, which were by and by to grow into some-
thing permanent for the interest of the denomination. We
THE NEW SECRETARY. 375
see the beginning of our local conferences. These confer-
ences have socially and religiously been a success. Whether
they have answered, as they ought to have done, one of the
original purposes of stimulating zeal and raising money for
good works, we can judge by comparing them now with these
brisk, energetic meetings which our local conferences grew
out of. Here is a rough sketch of the address which he
probably gave at this time in Springfield on the subject of
our work and the need of money. It has no date ; but we
should judge that it was given at this meeting the latter part
of this year, 1865, as he speaks of the time having nearly
come round again when money will be needed, saying that
the hundred thousand dollars are nearly spent. This address
is important ; as it shows us where this money went, and in
a way much better than mere statistics. He says, if there
was any doubt at first in the minds of the committee about
spending all this money, instead of investing it, when they
came to face the large opportunities of the year, they were
all gone. In asking again for contributions from the churches,
he begs them to look into the work of the American Unitarian
Association. He thinks he cannot do better than to give
them a brief sketch of these expenditures. First, $1,600
were spent for a building in Chauncy Street, much needed by
them to carry on their work, as their present quarters were
very small and inconvenient. They had made an excellent
investment, the value of the estate having already consider-
ably advanced since the purchase was made. Second, $5,930
to Antioch College. He says he does not dare to enlarge
upon this project ; for the two apostles of it (probably Dr.
Bellows and Mr. E. E. Hale) were present, and could speak
better than he. $5,000 seemed nothing to these friends, for
they were confidently hoping to get a quarter of a million
for this college. This sum of $5,000 or more was given at
a critical time, when the college would otherwise have been
lost to the denomination.
It may be proper, at this later day, for us to state that
376 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
this college, as a training and theological school, gave fine
promise at that time, and justified the hopes of its warmest
friends. But, in a few years, great free State institutions
sprang up in the West, smaller colleges multiplied, and its
students were drawn away to places nearer their own homes.
The college had a fine start through the genius and reputa-
tion of Horace Mann, and was ably conducted afterwards
for several years by the consecrated Dr. Hosmer ; and,
although now it has been necessary to reduce it to a pre-
paratory school for the young, its past history is highly hon-
orable to the Unitarian denomination, and its successful
experiment of the co-education of the sexes has done not
a little to settle this important question.
A considerable amount of money had been expended in
publications, he says. He believes there is a demand for our
books. He calls on the laymen to help circulate them.
The West. Mighty activities were at work there, to con-
trol the polio}' of our government. The West was too large
for him to try to speak of. He had not got accustomed
to it yet. There were openings everywhere. He takes
special pleasure in telling them about Professor Brigham's
work in Ann Arbor, among the students of the great Univer-
sity of Michigan.
The South. Here he tells how they had reclaimed the
church in Washington. A man had been sent to Richmond,
Va., another to Charleston, S.C., another to New Orleans
and smaller places. No critics could charge them, however,
with neglecting New England. They had a missionary
already in the State of Maine, especially to open new fields
of work. New England was still the nursery of good influ-
ences. Neglect New England? They might as well neglect
the purification of their fountain-lakes which fed their reser-
voirs ! Be it pride, or not, to say it, New England was
going to send out her mighty influence from her workshops
and schools for the next generation, as she had done in the
past.
THE NEW SECEETABY. 377
These meetings continued to be held in various county
associations of ministers, in Norfolk County at Declham,
and in Essex County at Salem, etc. These did not end in
talk. The laymen decided, with the ministers, what each
church ought to give. Somerville had the honor of leading
off, and paid into the treasury the sum of five hundred dol-
lars, which was the amount designated as its share, and a
very liberal one considering the size and means of the parish.
The new secretary goes to all these meetings, and meets with
cordial response everywhere. He tells his readers in this
number of " The Journal," that the Methodists are going to
raise $2,000,000, $250,000 being already given by a single
person. The executive committee reported good efforts made
in Brunswick, Me., the seat of a large university; and a
permanent missionary was appointed for that State. Mr.
Stebbins was continued as missionary South, independent of
the church there. Mr. Brigham was encouraged towards
the purchase of a church in Ann Arbor. Dr. Cordner was
going for a while to New Orleans, and so the work was going
on in many other places. A New- York Sunday-school asso-
ciation held its first meeting in January, and Dr. Clarke
delivered the first of a course of lectures at the Cooper
Institute to be given on liberal Christianity. The Ladies'
Commission on Sunday-school books was organized about
this time, for the purpose of selecting a library for Sunday
schools. Mr. Lowe heartily co-operated with the ladies in
their work ; and we believe that the organization proceeded
from his mind, and his activity as secretary of the American
Unitarian Association. He often looked in upon the ladies
at their work, aided them in every way in his power, and
saw with great pride and satisfaction the admirable results of
their work.
We find a letter written to him this month by his lifelong
friend and fellow-worker, Rev. E. E. Hale, which shows
that there were perplexing questions looming up in the sky
in regard to the office and function of the National Confer-
378 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
ence, which had already accomplished its main object of
stirring up the body, if it had not, as some of its friends
feared, assumed to itself enough dictate ry power over the
denomination. Mr. Hale appears to be arguing for a little
more aggressiveness on the part of the "conference," in
answer, probably, to a letter from Mr. Lowe, who would
naturally, as the secretary of the American Unitarian Asso-
ciation, take strong grounds in regard to its original and
accepted charter. Mr. Hale ends his cordial letter, as we
might know he would, by saying, " I know that you and I
do not differ a hair as to the principle involved. It is only
as to the best statement to be made of it."
The March number opens with a strong plea from Mr.
Lowe for sympathy and aid in printing and circulating our
own denominational works. This is followed by an article
from Dr. Hedge ; and next we have, what we wished to find
out, the real facts in regard to the origin of the Ladies' Com-
mission on Sunday-school books. He tells us here in " The
Journal," that he, as secretary of the American Unitarian
Association, invited a number of ladies to meet him ; and, at
his suggestion, these ladies formed themselves into an organ-
ized body, which proceeded to do its work in that conscien-
tious, thorough, and business-like manner so well known in
the denomination the last sixteen years or more. The names
of these ladies are recorded here as the committees originally
existed.
Antioch College is now the talk of the denomination. . . .
This movement he does not appear to have pressed himself,
knowing into what good hands it had fallen ; but he always
had a cordial interest in it. It is interesting for us also to
recall our losses, especially as he chronicles them here with
his own pen. Dr. Henry Bigelow passed away at this time,
and the editor writes a memorial of this beloved and valued
physician and Christian man. Reports in "The Journal"
come from Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Bombay,
etc. The value of these reports consists in the fact that they
THE NEW SECRETARY. 379
are not mere statistics, but personal letters from the work-
ers to their secretary. There is a world of difference in the
two kinds of reports. One kind the reader or donor passes
by, trusting that it is all right, and that the money is well
spent : in the other case his heart is warmed, and he is ready
to give more money. The executive committee reports still
more of the county meetings of which we have spoken,
one in Quincy, and one in Taunton, attended by some of the
most prominent and valued laymen in the churches, in con-
junction with the ministers. Eight meetings of these local
associations had now been held with good success. The
contributions were also coming in.
The Association now entered into its new rooms at No.
26 Chauncy Street. He tells the reader that they would be
glad of an}- thing which will make the rooms more attrac-
tive, and speaks especially of the library which he wishes to
form for the Association. The second contribution of $100,-
000 he is endeavoring to secure, hoping this sum will be the
annual collection. Palfrey's " History of New England " is
reviewed in this number; also "Essays of James Marti-
neau," published in Boston. In the June number we have
interesting articles ; and Dr. Cordner writes from New
Orleans, Mr. Koberts from Baraboo, Wis., Mr. Ellis from
Indiana, and Mr. Cole from Iowa. The July and August
numbers report the forty-first annual meeting of the Ameri-
can Unitarian Association held in May, 1866. Here we
find a pretty good report of work, which we have already
touched upon as we went along. The list of publications
shows, perhaps, the activity of the Association the past year
as much as any thing. Besides getting out new editions of
nine valuable books out of print, they had issued an edition
of the works of Dr. Channing, Dr. Noyes's " Translation of
the Prophets," a volume of sermons for children by Dr.
A. P. Peabody, and Dr. Clarke's "Truths and Errors of Or-
thodoxy." They had secured the plates of the memoir of
Henry Ware, Dr. Noyes's " Job," copyright of memoir
380 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
of Mrs. Mary L. "Ware, plates of a volume of sermons by Dr.
Bellows, plates of Dr. Nichols's " Hours with the Evangel-
ists," Andrews Norton's " Reply to Strauss," besides pub-
lishing editions of thirt}'-two old tracts, two or three new
ones, and had engaged others from some of the best think-
ers in the denomination. The amount given for Antioch,
Mr. Lowe puts down at $103,000 in his report. The sum
raised for general purposes is not so large as the last year,
he says, but he thinks the result is really more encoura-
ging. The sum was swelled the past year by a few very large
contributions, but this year the work had been more uni-
versal in the parishes. In answer to the question, whether
the work required so large a sum as $100,000 every year, he
would say that their opportunities for using money, with the
almost certain prospect of ample return, were limited only
by the want of men to engage in the work. There were
100,000 j'oung men in the city of New York with no homes,
or connection with religious organizations. Washington and
Ann Arbor both needed churches. It is a satisfaction at
this day to state that these two churches have been built
by the generosity of their owners, and the aid of the reli-
gious community. The lack of ministers was a serious
difficulty. Some averred that we had ministers already out
of work. He believed we had a smaller percentage idle
unwillingly than any other denomination. But, granted that
we have them, if they can not or will not fill missionary posts,
we must have men who will. The harvest was great, the
laborers were few. He speaks at some length of the name
"Unitarian," which some prominent men in England were
ready to throw off. He believed, looking at the question
practically, that the term "Independent" applied to a
church generally resulted in organic weakness. He had
large sympathy with all branches of the liberal church, of
whatever name, but he believed our name belonged to us
as a religious body : it had once been a hinderance, but had
now become a power, and meant whatever we were or came
to be. This meeting had some fine speaking.
THE NEW SECEETAEY. 381
The September number of " The Journal " has an article
from Mr. Ware. The editor has his notes, which are encour-
aging. A movement was being made to engage day-preachers,
both men and women, for small places, and for Sunday
schools. Dr. Hosmer, a man beloved and revered both East
and West, accepted the presidency of Antioch College. The
National Conference, to be held at Syracuse in October, was
now brewing. Dr. Farley reports favorably from Wilming-
ton, Del., Mr. Tenney from Lawrence, Kan., Mr. Hunting
from Owosso, Mich., Mr. Willis from Missouri, Mr. Ames
from Santa Cruz, Cal.
In the month of September a new event came in the home,
to turn the secretary's thoughts for an interval from this tide
of interesting work. But home affections and outside work
need never interrupt each other, but only harmonize the life.
Another little girl entered into the household after a period
of four years since the birth of the first daughter. His tender
thoughtfulness for these children was unvarying. On Sun-
daj's, especially, when the maid was away, he would insist
upon taking them into his study in the afternoon, and let the
mother go away, and rest, or read her " Christian Register,"
while he amused them with little pictures and stories : often
he would roll on the hay with them in the barn, or take them
into the field for buttercups.
In the October number, the secretary reports plans for new
work. He is round at all the conferences, and speaks with
special satisfaction of a movement among the New-Hampshire
ministers to do missionary work, under the stimulus and help
of the Association. The Maine ministers were going to do the
same thing. He believes that the people in all these mis-
sionary posts should be encouraged to raise something to aid in
defraying the expenses of worship. Our Universalist brethren
manifested some sensitiveness at this time in regard to our
missionary work at the West. Mr. Lowe, in a calm, clear
statement, declines to enter into any controversy, and shows
how the Association has repeatedly declared that it intended
382 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
to act in friendly co-operation with the Universalists as kin-
dred branches of the liberal church, and hoped that its course
would be such as to win the same regard from them. The
Ladies' Commission had already prepared a catalogue of about
two hundred volumes for Sunday schools. This number was
small, but it indicated the thoroughness of the work. The
committee on a hymn and tune book were busy in its prepara-
tion. This number of ' ' The Journal ' ' contains a most valuable
and comprehensive report from Dr. Wheeler, our missionary
preacher in Maine : this devoted man shows how he carried
out the spirit of the Association. Among his plans of work
recorded here, we find these : First, Not to seek to do injury
to other denominations, but to build up our own, on the basis
of truth and charity ; Second, Not to go to any place where
liberal preaching is already enjoyed, with a view to organize a
new society, unless it should appear that there were sufficient
materials for the two ; Third, Where other liberal denomina-
tions had tried and failed, or found themselves unable to sus-
tain preaching, I felt that I had a right to see what could be
accomplished from our stand-point. This was the policy
which Mr. Lowe strictly enjoined from the beginning. It
seems as if it would be accepted as a matter of course ; but we
know it is not the way other denominations always work : and
some of our own young preachers were apt to be sanguine, and
think the road was clear for them, and start societies which had
no elements of permanency. The} 7 were not all Dr. Wheelers,
and sometimes, with the best intentions, embarrassed the sec-
retary. But he generally looked out for himself pretty thor-
oughly before he asked the committee to vote money. The
corner-stone of the building of the Children's Mission to the
Children of the Destitute was laid on the 12th of July, 1866.
In this month of October was held the second meeting of
the " National Conference of Unitarian and other Christian
Churches," in Syracuse, N.Y. Mr. Lowe says, in his
"Monthly Journal" report of it,
" There were grave doubts expressed, and discouragement, in
THE NEW SECRETARY. 383
regard to the advisability of such a meeting ; so that it was a
matter of serious anxiety to its officers. And yet the conference
had proved a ' splendid ' success. Strange to say, the very ones
who had been the most ' sombre in their prognostics ' were now
anxious to have the conference every year; and it was the very
men who had been censured for undue zeal in proposing the con-
vention at all, who now moderated this earnestness, by reminding
the delegates of the obstacles in the way of expense, etc., with
frequent assembling. Every thing depended on this second meet-
ing. It was a glorious proof of the unity and earnestness of our
denomination."
He was probably at work constantly answering letters,
disarming criticism in regard to every thing done in the way
of progress. In "The Christian Register" of Oct. 6, we
find a letter of his in answer to a gentleman who fears the
National Conference is going to be antagonistic to the Asso-
ciation, and does not believe in conventions, etc. Mr.
Lowe says, "If we go into the niceties of the matter, you
are probably nearly right. I do not know but what you
have demonstrated that there is no such thing as the National
Conference ; that no one has any authority to call a conven-
tion, and that nobody has any business to go. But is it
not better to look at it in a larger way, interpreting every
thing liberally in view of the manifest purpose of the de-
nomination ? " . . . He leaves the detailed account of the
meeting, and only notices what he calls the three principal
features of the convention. The first was the discussion of
the preamble. He says,
"There was, from the first, a feeling of dissatisfaction on the
part of the so-called radical portion of the denomination, a fear
that narrowness was to prevail in the measures and counsels of the
body; and, on the part of the conservative portion, there has been
a feeling of distrust, lest, in order to conciliate this wing, there
would be a sacrifice of what they hold vital to the existence flf a
Christian Church. We need not hesitate to confess, that, for our-
selves, we looked forward to this discussion with much concern.
384 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
We were afraid that one of two things might happen : either the
pressure of the radical wing might effect such changes in the con-
stitution as to cause the conservatives to withdraw, and so utterly
break up the Union ; or, the constitution would be adhered to in
such a way, as, while causing the withdrawal of the radical por-
tion, to give the conference the appearance of illiberality. Either of
these two results would have been alike disastrous. If it had been
in our power, we should gladly have warded off any such discus-
sion, and kept to practical topics, in hopes to preserve a Union on
the basis of co-operative Christian work. But it was evident at
once that the controversy could not be restrained."
He goes on then to state how the Rev. F. E. Abbot of
Dover offered a preamble and article. Mr. Abbot's pream-
ble emphasized the idea of " individual freedom of thought"
in connection with ' ' organizations for practical Christian
work." His article, first, denominated the convention
"The National Conference of Unitarian and Independent
Churches," in distinction from the original one, which read
simply, "The National Conference of Unitarian Churches."
The original preamble began by a recognition of the ' ' obli-
gations of all disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ ' ' to prove
their faith, etc. This clause was the offensive one : it
savored of a creed. Mr. Lowe says,
"Mr Abbot's speech was calm, though earnest, and was per-
vaded by such a Christian spirit as to win the confidence and re-
spect of those who most widely dissented from his views. They
could not remain in the conference with the preamble and consti-
tution as it stood then. ' We implore you,' said he, ' do not com-
pel us to go out.' Other speakers followed upon the same side,
and showed the same spirit, and proved clearly enough that they
were truly Christian in heart and feeling, whatever might be their
creed. They presented their point, moreover, with rare ability.
On the other hand, Dr. Bellows, Dr. Osgood, Mr. Mayo, and
others spoke with an eloquence that thrilled the assembly. We
saw ministers and laymen all around us in tears. But, with all
the earnestness, there was not one word of disrespect towards those
THE NEW SECRETARY. 385
whom they opposed, not one moment's forgetf ulness of the most
tender courtesy."
The striking out the words, " disciples of our Lord Jesus
Christ," went to the heart of that great assembly. To
rescind those words after being adopted, could not fail to
imply in a certain sort, Mr. Lowe says, a willingness on the
part of the conference to disavow their allegiance to Jesus.
One point made by the advocates of the change was, that
the existing preamble contained a creed. To this Dr. Clarke
replied, that you cannot make a statement that is not in some
sort a creed. This new preamble contained a creed, inas-
much as it defined the object of Christianity. When the
question was at last put, the vote was decided and emphatic,
sustaining by an overwhelming voice the present preamble,
but modifying the first article by suggestion of Dr. Clarke,
so as to read, "Unitarian and other Christian churches."
Mr. Lowe says in his report,
" We have stated briefly the debate. One word we must say
in regard to its results. We believe that this discussion, instead of
making a serious jar, has actually cemented our body. The older
sects had predicted our collapse, unless we should effectively organ-
ize; and they have argued that we shall sacrifice our earnestness or
our liberty. We have proved now that there could be a stable, ear-
nest Christian church, consistently with the true spirit of fellow-
ship, the widest toleration of different opinions, and perfect free-
dom of thought."
This preamble and constitution being the first feature of
the convention, he goes on to state the other two. Second,
the organization of local conferences. We have seen how
these gradually grew out of that first meeting in Somerville.
Here we may see what the original object of these confer-
ences was. In his words,
" To promote a closer union and fellowship between our
churches, and to give to every society that sympathetic life and
spirit, the want of which, under our habit of individualism, has
386 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
been our greatest defect, and to bring more efficiency and system
into our denominational work, both in collecting money for its
accomplishment, and in carrying out its details."
This last-named object, of raising money in a systematic
manner for denominational work, the conferences have not
carried out of late years in so energetic a manner as was
hoped. The third feature of the convention was, the raising
of thirty thousand dollars for the Theological School at Mead-
ville. This was, he says, a " thrilling scene."
"Delegates pledged their societies; rich men promised liberal
donations; poor men laid upon the altar what all knew it was a
sacrifice to bestow; old men gave, with half-playful seriousness,
what 'they should not long need here;' and young men offered
from their little store. The various graduates of the school prom-
ised liberal sums from their own scanty purses, in token of their
gratitude for its benefits."
This generosity towards Meadville has been repeated
within the last two years ; and, if the sums have been larger,
the hearts were no warmer. Here follows the regular official
report of this important convention of 1866, which was also
printed separately, and circulated.
In the December number Mr. Lowe brings up the ques-
tion of discontinuing " The Journal," on account of the ex-
pense. It was suggested that " The Journal " matter might
be published 'in our newspapers, etc. On the other hand,
the little "Journal" issued ever}* month fourteen thousand
copies ; while all our periodicals together did not reach more
than seven thousand persons. These were often the same
subscribers, while "The Journal" was read by people of
other denominations. The committee wished the denomina-
tion to decide this matter. The}' were now going to work to
start local conferences in New York and elsewhere. On
Dec. 2, 1866, the Rev. Henry H. Barber was installed as
pastor over the Somerville society. Mr. Lowe, in the public
THE NEW SECRETARY. 387
service, gave the new minister a cordial welcome to the
society.
The Association received, this 3'ear, thirty-one thousand
dollars in bequests. The whole amount raised for general
denominational work during the last two years, that is, from
December, 1864, to October, 1866, was $191,663.03. A
report on Christian "unions" is published in this number.
These "unions" were suggested to the Association some
months before, as a means of supplying the lack of ministers.
"The Unitarian Almanac " was started this year, in place
of the January number of "The Journal." Mr. Lowe re-
quests complete statistics of every association, philanthropic
or religious, wholly or in part under Unitarian control, and
also of educational institutions which are on a liberal theo-
logical basis. A report from the "Ladies' Commission,"
and some news from the churches, close this volume of the
little "Journal."
CHAPTER XXXVIIL
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION.
1867-1868.
Activity. Importance of "The Journal." Resignation of Mr.
"Weiss. Mr. Lowe's Reply. Speeches at Conferences.
Universalists. Address before "Ministerial Union," Boston.
African Methodist Church. Gov. Andrew's Death.
Other Losses. Reply to Orthodox. Third National Con-
ference. Local Secretaries' Discussions. Old Difficulties
Settled at Last. Missionary Zeal. " Christian Register's"
Editorial. Hopeful Times.
IT was decided by the Association to issue the little
"Journal" of work another year. The editor, in his
notes, says that the demand for its continuance has come
from all quarters, pastors, missionaries, and people in
general. "The Christian Examiner" and "Monthly Reli-
gious Magazine " furnish intellectual and religious treatises,
the best the denomination can furnish ; and " The Register"
and " Inquirer" give us intelligence in regard to all matters
of interest and discussion, which cannot be improved. But
this "Journal," he adds, is the organ of the Association,
and has a wide circulation, such as no other denomina-
tional publication could hope to secure. The women are
aroused by the appeals in "The Journal." The ladies in
the parish at Woburn authorize the editor to say to any
3'oung man who is struggling with difficulties, in the wa}' of
entering the miuistr}*, that they will pay his expenses for
two years at Antioch, and his whole course at Meadville.
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 389
The Association begins now to carry on its own publishing
business. The secretary begs the people to buy the Ameri-
can Unitarian Association books, and see to it, at least, that
their pastors have a set of those books in their libraries.
The local conferences are springing up ; and he rejoices over
them, and shows how elastic they are, none cut out on ex-
actly the same pattern, but only carrying forward what is
so much needed, organization. Reports come in from the
mission-posts, and from these conferences, showing life
everywhere. New books appear, and are noticed here,
Miss Hale's " Service of Sorrow," and Mr. Alger's " Critical
History of the Doctrine of a Future Life." Dr. Schenkel's
"Life of Jesus" appears in an American edition, and pro-
vokes discussion. Mr. Lowe reviews it, and, while " dis-
senting from many of its conclusions," is brought "to a
clearer knowledge of Christ's life on earth." Rev. John
Weiss resigns his position on the board, in a letter given
here, on the ground that the "National Conference" em-
phasized, by a majority, "the Lordship of Jesus Christ,
based upon the assumption of his supernatural character."
Mr. Weiss had been annoyed by a recent article in " The
Examiner," and he also implied that the Association was
narrow in its list of publications.
Mr. Lowe publishes here his reply to Mr. Weiss. He tells
Mr. Weiss that his letter is framed in such a way that the
board cannot do otherwise than accept his resignation. But
he expresses his own personal regret, and that of every mem-
ber of the board. He asks Mr. Weiss whether he can really
charge the board with narrowness or illiberality. His own
election was a proof to the contrary, for no member had
been treated with more consideration than himself. It would
not be surprising for a stranger to judge of the board by an
article written by one person belonging to it ; but Mr. Weiss
had been a member for six months, and knew the spirit and
policy of the Association. In regard to publications, Mr.
Lowe showed Mr. Weiss that his charge was untrue, by
390 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
reminding him that they had just issued an edition of
Schenkel's "Life of Jesus," etc. Mr. Lowe adds, that it
is his wish, and he believes that of the board, " to act in a
broad spirit of fairness and sympathy with all parts of the
denomination, not by carrying out the views of both ex-
tremes, but by pursuing a liberal path of policy, in which, as
a broad line of Christian activity, all could join. Regretting
that they should no longer have Mr. Weiss's presence and
co-operation, he sa}'S, " We have the right and the duty to
insist that we are conscious of nothing on our part that has
given 3 T ou occasion to go."
Mr. Weiss replies in a friendly manner ; says he has no
fault to find with the Association, and testifies to the kind-
ness and consideration of the board. But the preamble of
the conference troubles him. He knew the minority were
not bound by the preamble, but it really gave "tone and
color to the action of the denomination ; " and the majority,
although * ' they might publish some things with a liberal
bearing, could not express a thoroughly radical position."
He refers again to the offensive article in " The Examiner,"
which shows that there was the sore spot, and proves what
Dean Stanle}' has somewhere so well stated, that it is not
people's creeds that cause trouble in the church, so much as
personal animosities, brought about by indiscretion and the
heat of argument. Let us hope that our church has learned
something the last ten years. We believe it has.
We find a few loose papers, which appear to be minutes of
speeches at the local conferences. Here we see the way Mr.
Lowe talked to the people when he began to raise the second
$100,000. He says at Brookline,
" Do you ask why we care, after all, to do this denominational
work? I have assumed that this question was settled. Look at
the tremendous tide of materialism flooding our age intellectually,
morally, socially, taking possession of us! ... Look at the en-
croachments of the narrowest Romanism, creeping up to political
ascendency, all its influence contrary to civil and religious liberty!
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 391
. . . Consider these things well, and you will see the need of
organized instrumentalities to keep the age in its true line of prog-
ress. Some may say they are willing to trust to the providential
working of things, and God's ordering. Friends, God does not
order things in human society independent of man's working. . . .
I believe, before God, that no influence now is more potent than
an organized liberal Christianity. ... In this contribution which
you are called upon to make, do not consider only the details of
this or that work (although I am confident that a full understand-
ing would lead to larger returns), but look more widely to see how,
in this simultaneous collection, Unitarians are awaking." . . .
Here is another appeal to New-England people for the
West :
" Some may say, Why labor to help these societies at the West?
we need all our money at home. There is a certain law in regard
to work for others and for ourselves that never varies: it is, that
we best enrich ourselves when we help others. . . . When Dr.
Eliot went to the West, and planted the standard, and nobly stood
by, it became a power in the country. When Starr King went to
California, we were all strengthened at home."
Another time, at Salem, he talks about our books.
" All the country is prepared for our thought. They are reading
our books without winking, when a few years ago their eyes would
have been shut against them. With a dearth of men for our work,
will you not help? Is it not the part of wisdom to put the works
of Channing, and Dewey, and Hedge, and Clarke, etc., before the
people? "
At Plymouth, another time in speaking of the institution
of the church, he says,
" I think this should be prominent in all the efforts we make.
Its necessity is not outgrown, and never will be so long as our
nature remains the same. The functions of worship, and of reli-
gious culture and instruction, need provision for their stated exer-
cise; and I see no way of providing for them, except in some
such way as has been adopted by the various organizations of the
church. Among Roman Catholics and Protestants, and every
class of Protestants, some general plan has been followed, con-
392 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
gregations gathered, sufficiently in accord, who help together to
maintain the cost of worship. The most dangerous tendency of
the times is the weakening of this habit. Even free preaching,
with all its benefits, is to be watched anxiously, lest it should
encourage the disposition to cut adrift, and thus break up the
spirit out of which churches grow. . . . The working and wor-
shipping together is the true church."
In another place, in speaking of the hunger of people for
liberal truth, and after having alluded to the generous work
of the Sanitary Commission, he grows warm, and ex-
claims,
" Can it be, that, in this same country where the cry of physical
distress was so quickly and tenderly heard, the cry for spiritual
help will be treated with neglect ? Ah ! there is a cry with whose
expression of loneliness and neglect not even the groaning of a
soldier lying cold and helpless after those battles of the Wilderness
could compare, that cry of the Psalmist in his dreary solitude,
' No man careth for my soul ! ' "
When he first began to speak before the conferences, he
felt the burden more or less ; but after a while he began to
enjoy it. He prepared his thought somewhat, but he was
enfranchised from the pen. His nature expanded in the
presence of the people, his heart grew warm: and, although
he often confessed afterwards that he had said nothing he
intended to saj T , he did not care ; for the heart of the audi-
ence seemed to go with him. It is interesting to see his
list of receipts in "The Christian Register" at the time he
was trying to collect the sum of $100,000 in 1866 and 1867.
He put his own personality .so into every thing he did, it
was impossible to separate him from his work. Instead of
an impersonal list of sums given, he says, "I beg to ac-
knowledge ; " and he was so shrewd, he knew men so well,
that he always put at the head of the list every week in
large letters, $100,000, to catch the e}"e, and stimulate those
tardy givers who wait to see whether a thing is going to be
a success, is grand enough, before they can open their
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 393
purses. No lottery advertiser, with his flaming numbers to
catch the earnings of the poor man, was ever more in dead
earnest than this pure-minded pleader, who begged men to
give help to their brethren in Christ. " The Christian Regis-
ter " this year seems to partake of this spirit, and to be
all alive. Its editorials are crispy, nervous, driving always
at some practical point- It throbs with human life. Com-
munications crowd in from all sections, letters from workers,
suggestions from thinkers. Liberty and progress were in
the air. Dr. Howe had gone to help deliver the Cretans.
Miss Carpenter was in India. Athanase Coquerel fils was
ejected from his pulpit for liberal preaching in Paris.
George Peabody was giving large sums in our States for
education. The Brahmo Somaj in India was preaching a
gospel almost Christian ; and our more radical friends had
instituted a club for free thought, and held meetings on
Sunda}', which resulted in a Free Religious Association.
More losses had occurred. James P. Walker, a valued officer
of the Sunday-school Society, and a Unitarian publisher,
died the past year. His life and character were portrayed
in "The Journal" as well as in other places. We cannot
expect one age will repeat another, or one journal another.
That period was undoubtedly one of uprising for our denomi-
nation, but afterwards came the financial depression. Peo-
ple were less able to give ; and the worst of it is, in this
case, they get out of the habit of giving. Instead of redu-
cing systematically their scale of expenditure, but yet giving
to the same objects, they let these objects drop out of their
memory ; and the church man or woman is obliged, at inter-
vals, to begin all over again, and explain first principles.
But, in spite of these mutations in society and human life,
we still believe that our church in all times could raise easily
that $100,000, if our parishes would appoint promptly every
year a committee, whose business it is to make these collec-
tions for church- work. People do easily what they are in
the habit of doing, and these missionary contributions may
394 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
be as regular and natural as the giving of Christmas pres-
ents. So thought our secretary, we believe. In regard to
our journals, we may say, that, if they have lost somewhat of
the brisk denominational spirit the last ten years, thej" have
gained in catholicity and breadth of thought. Perhaps the
future will see both elements united.
In the March number of "The Monthly Journal," Mr.
Lowe touches upon their work in New York, the establish-
ment of the local conferences, etc. " In regard to the origi-
nal idea of the work of the local conferences, ' The Christian
Register ' gives no uncertain sound when it says, in one of
its editorials, ' Every board of directors will rank among its
first duties the careful examination of all the cases of sus-
pended animation in religious societies, of whatever name,
within its borders.' This looks like business. And Judge
Hoar, in a speech at Woburn, says, ' We can trace, in the
history of our old towns, the influence of one man during
a generation. If each one will go home with the earnest
purpose to organize his or her parish to do a Christian work,
it can be done.' This was the way the conferences felt ; and
another leader in the ' Register ' says, that the Association
' has requested the secretary, for the next few weeks, to
drop all the other duties of his office, and do what he can
to help the raising of money.' ' One of the best things
he heard while he was in New York, Mr. Lowe sa}*s, was a
newsboy coming to the office of " The Liberal Christian " to
pay for copies he had received, and asking for more. In
Central New York, at Syracuse, was a conference of six
Unitarian and seventeen Universalist churches. This con-
ference grew out of the fatherly heart of Samuel J. Ma} r .
The Universalists were a little embarrassed when they got
there ; and they offered to the conference a resolution " that
this meeting has no connection with the National Conference
of Unitarians, nor with the Universalist General Associa-
tion, but is simpl} r for purposes of fellowship and mutual edi-
fication." This opened a discussion upon the subject of the
LIFE IN TEE DENOMINATION. 395
relations between Universalists and Unitarians, to which Mr.
Lowe gives up several pages of "The Monthly Journal."
He says that he has invited "our good bishop," Mr. May,
to investigate this matter, rather than enter into a contro-
versy in the papers. He has himself been very anxious not
to disturb their harmonious relations with other Christians,
or to go over ground occupied by them. The Universalists
had always been before us in missionary zeal ; the}* had
swept over the country, planting churches ; hence their
strength. But here and there they had failed. It was
always hard to raise a dead movement : another element
coming in might succeed better. Unitarians taking up the
field might, by consulting with the Universalists, make a
strong society again. The Association might not always do
right in this matter, but it certainly tried to. A Unitarian
brother comes to him (the secretary), and begs him " not to
move in any places where there was danger of offence, or
treading on corns." The secretary's reply was, " Are we
going to be so false to our obligations as to stand still for
fear of treading on somebody's corns ? We will not do such
injustice to the largeness of spirit and Christian manliness
of the great mass of the Universalist denomination." Mr.
Lowe adds, that the talk at the conference on this question
was admirable in spirit and ability. For more extended
discussion of the subject, he refers the reader to his address
before the conference, extracts of which he gives here, where
he pays the Universalists very high compliments for their
zeal, and shows a most cordial spirit. "We have reports in
this number from lay-workers, and also from the Meadville
students who are doing missionary work. A grand Music-
hall meeting was called for March 10, by the Suffolk Con-
ference, to raise funds for the present year's work. This
meeting went off finely. To show the way our wealthy men
appreciate energy, one man said, "If it is to be 100,000,
or any thing like it, I will give what I gave before, and
gladly; but, if it is only $50,000, I shall only give half
396 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
as much." Mr. Dall writes cheerity from India, and Miss
Am}* Bradley is full of zeal at the South. Orders come for
our books from Orthodox as well as Unitarian. President
Johnson was vacillating about the negroes voting. This
made all our good works at the South unstable. Rev. G. L.
Chaney calls for help. The free schools in Richmond were
supported by our people through the " Soldiers' Memorial
Society." News from abroad was still interesting. Reli-
gious freedom was dawning in Italy ; and Bishop Colenso,
in Africa, was being severery handled by the English prel-
ates. The work in India attracted a degree of attention
then in Boston which is noticeable. A large meeting was
called in Horticultural Hall by the Suifolk Conference, en-
tirely devoted to India and Mr. Ball's work. This confer-
ence was remarkabl}* active at this period. Theatre-preaching
began. The theatre was thronged. Thousands were turned
away. Pennsylvania and New Jersey were waking up. Dr.
Clarke and Dr. Eliot have some able articles in the Ma} r and
June numbers of " The Journal."
The forty-sixth anniversary of the Association was an in-
teresting one. Our space will not allow us to say much
about it. But every thing was brisk, nothing dull. The
morning meeting had a lively discussion about its b}*-laws ;
some radical brethren put in claims for more liberty ; and
Rev. Mr. Sargent handsomely indorsed a resolution welcom-
ing women to the ministry.
In the secretar3"'s report of this anniversary, he saj-s, that,
so far as his memory goes, there has never been a more
interesting time than this. The Music Hall was crowded,
and Dr. Dewey's address before the Ministerial Union was
thrilling. The secretar}" mentions with especial pleasure the
reception which the Ladies' Commission on Sunda3--school
books gave in their room, beautifully decorated with flowers.
He himself presided, and a discussion was joined in by
various ministers and the ladies themselves. The work of
the Association had assumed such importance in the West,
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 397
that he felt it desirable for him to go out there, and " make
a more personal acquaintance with the field." He was gone
about two weeks, and gives a cheering account from the
places he visited. Mr. E. Collyer's delightful volume of
sermons, called "Nature and Life," was published at this
time in Chicago ; and the editor gives it a cordial reception.
In the September number his editorial notes are taken up
with the Cambridge Divinity School, which was now excit-
ing a good deal of attention among the ministers. They
had just celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Divinity
School ; and an address was given by Dr. Gannett, together
with a review of the history of the school. This address,
the secretaiy says, "made a profound impression," and, by
its eloquence, roused the alumni of the school to new efforts.
He gives in "The Journal" his own address before the
Ministerial Union on "Ministerial Education." We have
not space to quote much from this address, but will name
a few important points.
" First, we need the right sort of men. Quality is the thing to
be considered. . . . Some call these institutions Schools of The-
ology, and not mere nurseries of ministers. But our denomina-
tional interest in these schools, so far as it differs from our interest
in the Scientific School, or the Academy of Arts, is solely from the
expectation of their fitting men to be Christian ministers ; and we
differ from the schools at Andover or -Newton in the hope of fitting
men to be Unitarian ministers. The schools of law and medicine
provide the best means of instruction, and no one can complain if
they turn out pettifoggers and quacks. But in reality the instruc-
tion in those schools is adapted to the practical preparation for
those professions. In medicine they are in the habit of calling it
the study of 'the theory and practice of medicine.' . . . We
overdo in teaching theology. ' We shut up young men in barracks
three years, keeping them as much as possible aloof from healthful
activities, and feed them from morning, noon, and night on noth-
ing but theology ' An orthodox minister said to me, ' It takes a
man two or three years of active ministry to get over the effect of
the three years in the seminary.' "
898 MEMOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
He believes in a thorough scholastic training, but thinks
that our students should have an opportunity to see life,
parish-work, congregations, etc. Let the student work with
his hands, or teach, and pay his way ; use his voice, train it.
Many a fine thinker fails from a bad manner and dyspeptic
frame acquired over books.
" Make the course shorter at a theological school if this cannot
be done otherwise, but this plan should be carried out along with
the school. A young man has no right to accept the present bene-
ficiary funds unless he intends to devote himself to the Christian
ministry. Above all, let him feel the importance of cultivating an
earnest religious spirit. The critical spirit is also needed; but
there is no danger of losing that in our schools, but the other is in
danger. \Ve need an educated ministry, a large supply of able,
earnest, liberal, Christian ministers, and must look for them mainly
to our two theological schools."
The corner-stone of the church in East Boston was laid at
this time, also the Free Church of the Benevolent Fraternity
of Churches. In the October "Journal" we hear that the
Divinity-school Committee were stirring. Dr. Clark ac-
cepted the professorship of natural theology and Christian
doctrine. Rev. G-. H. Hepworth projected a school of the-
ology in Boston, and the Association appropriated a sum
towards its expenses. The conferences were going on pros-
perously. The Western Conference especiall}- showed great
signs of life and activity at its meeting. The corner-stone
of the new church of Rev. Robert Collyer's society was laid
in August. A large meeting was held in the Music Hall in
September, being one now of a proposed series of meetings.
Mr. Lowe presents in this number his plan for a new de-
nominational building. He was no spendthrift, or lover of
show and luxury ; but he believed Boston was able, and ought,
to have such a building.
Another interesting project comes up, in the shape of the
African Methodist Church. His wide-awake co-worker and
friend, Mr. E. E. Hale, it appears, had a hand with him in
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 399
this movement. We find some jottings which show that Mr.
Lowe was to speak on the subject before Mr. Bale's people.
The African Methodist Church held about a year before in
Baltimore the first meeting of the second half-century of its
existence. Mr. Ware and Dr. Ellis attended the meetin^
O
merely as listeners ; but their position was exceptional, as
no white clergymen of any church showed these brethren the
least sympathy. Our two ministers were much impressed
with the ability and excellence of this body of men, who had
stood by the union. They had already 10 conferences, 185
travelling-preachers, 50 stations, 286 churches, and 200,000
members, besides Wilberforce University. The matter was
talked over in Boston. They, the colored people, had the
men, but not the money : we had, or could have, the money.
Each had what the other lacked. They needed education.
All this Mr. Lowe tells the audience, and opens the proposed
plan of work ; namely, First, To send them our books and
tracts, and also to vote them money to furnish a library, the
books to be chosen by a committee from both sides ; Second,
To provide them with a better educated ministry by furnishing
the salary of a man, whom we shall choose with their ap-
proval, to preach in Charleston, S.C., where they wished to
start another college. He supposes that these projects would
be received with surprise by the community. We know how cold
all the other denominations are in regard to working with us.
We are like the Jews and Samaritans together. . . . But this
work fortunately starts where our own minister, Mr. Ware,
has made himself already beloved by the colored people. He
quotes from " Nathan the Wise," and shows how those who
are in the lowest places are often the teachers of the great.
In short, the point was carried with our people, the work
was started ; and the November number of " The Journal "
publishes a letter from the corresponding secretary of the
African Methodist Church, thanking us, " as the first American
association of religionists who has said such words as those
of the American Unitarian Association's secretary's letter,"
400 MEMOIE OF CHABLES LOWE.
namely, that " We shall be glad to work with you, and avail
ourselves of your noble instrumentality." The December
number contains a general review, from the editor of the
Western Conference.
In regard to the circulation of our literature, he states that
more than fifty-one applications have come of late from min-
isters for the books generously given by Professor Frederick
Huidekoper for some time past. Many of these ministers are
Presbj'terians. Gov. Andrew's death occurred this month.
His faithful and illustrious connection with our Unitarian
communion, together with his distinguished career as gov-
ernor of our Commonwealth during our troublous times, made
his departure wide!}* mourned by our people.
Mr. Lowe alludes here to the great meeting held by the
Unitarians of Boston in honor of Gov. Andrew, the Sunday
evening after his death, and speaks of his being president
of our national council, and also of the Suffolk Conference of
Unitarian Churches. Mr. Lowe especially remarks upon his
freedom from all sectarian spirit, which made him, while lov-
ing his own church, respect all differences of intellectual
belief.
This volume of " The Journal " closes with the Year-book of
the denomination. " The Journal" for 1868 opens with an
editorial resum& of the special work in hand at that time. The
African Methodist Church work, Mr. Lowe still urges upon
our people, advising them, instead of scattering their money at
the South, to concentrate it upon this work : the Association,
however, did not wish to interfere with any contributions
made to the Freedmen's Bureau, being in full sympathy with
that organization. There was room and money enough for
both objects. He discourses at some length upon theatre-
preaching : he wishes to get at these stray people in the great
audiences, suggests plans to that effect. Now is a chance
for him to bring up his denominational building again. Here
might be use for a great free hall for this kind of preaching,
with other apartments. Let the hearers pay a little for their
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 401
seats ; let there be little distinction between seats, as in the
Romish church. Every one has the same privilege as his
wealthy neighbor, and pays for it. This building he names
"Charming Hall." If he had lived to see the Channing
year, his heart would have leaped up again at the work done in
Newport, and with the hope of the other project in Boston.
It is pleasant to record here, that this present year, at the
time when this memoir is issued, this work has been essen-
tially accomplished by the Unitarian denomination.
The Essex Conference votes to raise $4,500 for the Ameri-
can Unitarian Association, and, among other resolutions, offers
a cordial one in regard to welcoming women into our divinity
schools and the pulpit. The new hymn and tune book was
now issued. There is a report of another Music-hall meet-
ing in March, 1868. There were fine speeches. Mr. Lowe
speaks earnestly about circulating our publications. The
May number contains a lively list of extracts from letters
from all sorts of thinking persons who have been reading our
books and "The Journal; " also an address of Dr. Bartol,
and missionary reports. The Suffolk Union for Christian
Work is reported here, with its articles of organization. Rev.
Samuel J. May retires from the active work as pastor. He
had, the past year, been publishing a fine series of " Reminis-
cences of Anti-slavery Days."
In June the editor reports, that vexed questions are
coming up again, after a year or more of peace and active
work. He was always on the alert, knowing how great a
matter a little fire would kindle, if not watched immediately,
and extinguished by persuasion and love. Objections to the
policy of the Association had come " about equally from two
opposite quarters," the secretary says, " what we might call
radical and conservative." . . . Mr. Lowe cannot understand
how any gentleman on the conservative side should draw the
conclusion " that our contributions go indiscriminately and
indifferently for extending the faith of the churches, or for
its destruction and overthrow," or how they should select
402 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
some of the most extreme utterances that can be found in
print, made by persons who do not pretend to be in Unita-
rian fellowship, as illustrations of what doctrines our money
is propagating. After some cordial words the secretary goes
on to show how indefinite these terms radical and conserva-
tive are. It is very easy to use them : but, when you talk
with a so-called radical man, he will often surprise, you by
the conservatism of some of his opinions ; and so it will be
with the conservative man, who will startle you with his
liberality on certain points. He shows how Schenkel, who
frightened our extreme conservatives so much by his bold
utterances, is horrified at his critics, and says of the reader,
" With what eyes can he have read my book who has dis-
covered in it only a mere earthly Christ ? ' ' There can be
no arbitrary "Mason and Dixon's line" to separate North
and South, he says. We of the Unitarian fellowship are
growing and changing year by year. We are seeking new
light. Where shall we divide? Would Mr. Sears like to
cut himself away from such a man as Dr. Gannett, or Dr.
Gannett from James Freeman Clarke, or Dr. Clarke from
Dr. Furness, or Dr. Furness from Robert Collyer? Would
Robert Collyer endure a wall between himself and many
whom we could name, who, though in sentiment far from the
majority among us, feel the Christian name so dear that they
ask for our fellowship? ... It is said, " Do you not see a
certain limit to our denominational fellowship?" "Cer-
tainly I do." I believe with our critic, that it does not
extend so far as to include those who are not within the pale
of Christianity itself. There are perhaps men in our fellow-
ship, who, as time goes on, will either find their views modi-
fied, and come out, as I hope, into a clearer and better faith,
or else will of their own choice dissolve their connection with
us. If a separation must be, it should come naturally, and
not by force. He tells how he used to gather hickory-nuts
when a boy, and try to open them with his jack-knife, and
spoil the nut. Then he would lay them awa}' on the roof of
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 403
the shed ; and when the frost came, and the juices had ri-
pened, the nut would drop out fair and white. He illustrates
this further by the story of freedom and slavery in our coun-
try. . . . "But," it maybe said, here is a definite point:
" Do you not cause the Association to aid men and views
whose influence some members consider pernicious?"
" Undoubtedly we do," is our answer. It is one of the evils
that come with the principle of liberty. . . . The question is
often put, " Shall I give monej 7 to send out Mr. A , or
Mr. B , who preaches what I hold to be pernicious?"
. . . The question really is, " Shall I contribute to an insti-
tution . . . whose general service is in the line of what I
hold to be most vital, and worthy to be aided by all the
means at our command ?" . . .
Our liberal orthodox brethren, he says, have these same
difficulties, and solve them in the same way. The churches of
England and France were going through a like experience.
..." Truth," says Mr. Lowe, " is greater and better than
any conceptions of truth ; and our denomination is based on
the theory that it is nobler to help secure the conditions
for a perfect seeking after truth, than to help preserve and
spread any special view of that which has been maintained."
. . . " In my position as secretary," he says, " I have en-
deavored to preserve friendly relations with many of those
from whose views I widely dissent ; though I trust I have
never done it in a way to conceal my own convictions. . . .
The mission of Unitarians among the sects is like that of
America among the nations. What an experiment in gov-
ernment this of ours was ! How they predicted that it must
fail! ... So of Unitarianism. No wonder its broad basis
of liberty should sometimes occasion alarm. . . . But our
very mission lies in that from which our dangers seem to
come." The Italics are his.
This article occupies over eighteen pages of " The Jour-
nal," and it was afterwards printed and circulated. It is
proper to state, that it stands thus as a pamphlet stating the
404 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
position and policy of the American Unitarian Association,
" chiefly in reply to letters from Rev. R. H. Sears, and Rev.
Francis E. Abbott." We cannot help thinking that this
tract has more than a local interest, and is as valuable for
the Unitarian and Orthodox community to-day as at the time
when it was written. This friendly warfare was not destined
to be over yet ; nor would it be until he laid down his armor,
as we shall see in the future. . . .
Here follows a series of reports from local conferences ;
and, what is most noticeable, these conferences all give a
report of the money the}- have raised for the American Uni-
tarian Association, and other purposes. Now we see again
how the present conferences have departed from their origi-
nal idea. The money is not reported now to their local
boards. It goes scattering in to the Association, and often
does not go at all. We have to look up and down the list to
find any church; and Burlington, Vt., may come next door
to Roxbury, Mass. This is not the fault of the Association,
but of the conferences, which have lost those systematic
methods of work which were originally a part of their very
life. They have consequently fallen off in their returns.
South Middlesex raised this year more than eight thousand
dollars for denominational purposes, besides over three thou-
sand dollars for the freedmen, and more than one thousand
dollars for miscellaneous charities.
The Forty-third Annual Meeting of the American Uni-
tarian Association comes round. The secretary makes his
report of work, speaking particularly of their friendly co-
operation with the African Methodist Church, and the good
coming therefrom. He speaks with especial satisfaction of
the generous and wise action of the Western Conference, by
which it voted to delegate to the American Unitarian Asso-
ciation the matter of raising and spending monej-, in order
to establish the principle of concentration of power. The
Western Conference was to have its own secretary, and act
with perfect freedom. Some amendments were made in the
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 405
by-laws. The public meeting in the Music Hall was good.
The secretaries of the local conferences had a very lively
meeting together. The Sunday-school Society and the
American Unitarian Association join hands in common
work. The distinguished scholar and Christian, Dr. G. R.
Noyes, died at his residence in Cambridge, Mass., June 3,
1868. John Wilson, the valuable biblical student, printer,
and writer, associated with Dr. Noyes in all his labors,
passed away at nearly the same time. Mr. Lowe had sat at
the feet of Dr. Noyes, and early learned to appreciate his
ripe Christian character and broad scholarship. He also
had often had opportunities of testing the conscientious
exactness of Mr. Wilson in his chosen work, and pays
his tributes in "The Journal." We have a valuable list
of publications noticed this month, among others, a new
edition of Channing, published by the American Unitarian
Association, through the liberality of Rev. W. H. Channing ;
and also three new prize-stories, issued under the auspices
of the " Ladies' Commission and Sunday-school Society."
"A Man in Earnest" (life of A. H. Conant), by Robert
Collyer, was published at this time in Boston. The editor
wishes earnestly that this book might be the beginning of
others like it. The corner-stone of the " New Church of the
Disciples" was laid in Boston, July 8. The October number
opens with an editorial headed "Have we misrepresented
Orthodoxy?" This is in answer to a charge from "The
Congregationalist," on reading the article on " The Policy
of the American Unitarian Association." "The Congrega-
tionalist" "despairs of ever seeing a thoroughly candid
statement of orthodoxy from a Unitarian pen." A private
letter from an " esteemed Orthodox minister" declares that
our representations of their belief are always caricatures.
We cannot insert Mr. Lowe's lengthy reply. He quotes
from Jonathan Edwards, etc., and says that he does not
make these charges against the Orthodox denomination as a
whole, which was to his mind often not responsible for these
406 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
individual opinions. Hence his defence of the broad policy
of the American Unitarian Association. He did find fault
with the Orthodox, however, for retaining those old creeds,
and subscribing to them. The liberal policy we pursue
openly, the}*" pursue tacitly, and " make the most sacred act
of religious confession a lie."
This article is closely reasoned out with great fairness, we
think, and is meant to hit our own croakers quite as much
as our Orthodox critics. It was published as a tract ; and
as we have said of the other, its companion, we believe it
meets still the wants of the age.
Rev. D. W. Stevens's work among the sailors at "Vine-
yard Haven" (what used to be called "Holmes' Hole")
was started a few months back ; and it was a work in which
Mr. Lowe now took special pleasure, feeling that there was
no question about its success, and the devotion and ability
of the man who conducted it.
The Unitarians of Hungary made an appeal to us this
year. Rev. C. H. A. Dall, our missionary to India, had
visited them on his wa} T home from Calcutta ; and they now
write a letter, expressing their earnest desire for sympathy
and fellowship. The secretary replies with cordiality, and,
among other things, proposes that the Association should
issue tracts in the Hungarian and other languages, and per-
haps an edition of Channing. An edition of James Marti-
neau's "Essays, Philosophical and Theological," was pub-
lished at this time by W. V. Spencer ; and the new hymn
and tune book was thorough^ on its way.
The third session of the National Conference was held in
New York, beginning Tuesday evening, Oct. 6. As there
were full reports of the meeting in " The Register," the
secretary gives us only some general impressions in this jour-
nal, which are all we care for in connection with this memoir.
The meeting, he says, " was unprecedentedly large, and was
held in the New Church of the Messiah, whose richness and
beauty won general admiration." The local conferences
LIFE IN THE DENOMINATION. 407
were the secretary's great interest. He looked upon these
reports as the most live things of the meeting. He assumes
that the secretaries of these conferences have great power
in their hands, and responsibility. He has been, he says,
in constant -correspondence with these secretaries. When
any applications for pecuniary aid came to the office, his
idea was, to have matters so systematized, that he could
report immediately to the secretaries : when a new pastor is
required, they are the ones to communicate with the Amer-
ican Unitarian Association and the people. When a new
field of missionary work opens, they are to be notified : thus
the conferences will " effect with precision and completeness
their work." He has only space simply to record one fact;
viz., that, since the movement began, five meetings of the
local secretaries had been called, for the purpose of consul-
tation, which had been attended by an average of twelve out
of the sixteen secretaries, widely separated as they were.
The old question of the preamble came up at the con-
ference. Brethren from various parts, says the secretary,
had urged that this question should be fairly discussed, not
on their own account, but because some felt aggrieved. Dr.
Clarke offered a new article to the constitution, which was
really the old resolution offered in the beginning, to bring
the denomination together, with this additional amend-
ment.
The article was substantially what we have given before ;
that is, a declaration that "all expressions in the confer-
ence were expressions of the majority, and did not commit
those who objected to them." The amendment was, " That
we heartily welcome to our fellowship all who desire to work
with us in advancing the kingdom of God." Dr. Clarke,
Dr. Bellows, Mr. Hale, Mr. Heywood, and others spoke,
expressing their desire to say nothing in a narrow or illiberal
spirit; but they could not do without some loyal, positive
declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, and they wished emphat-
ically to be regarded as a conference of Christian churches.
408 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
The conference finally accepted this resolution as an article
of the constitution, leaving off the amendment of Dr. Clarke,
as they considered this clause alread}' embodied in the con-
stitution. Mr. Lowe says the conference was determined,
first, to hold the organization to the Christian basis ; and,
second, to guard by all means, and against any possible
infringement, the principle of Congregationalism and indi-
vidual libert} r . We could go before the world, and challenge
any one to declare, he says, whether this body is not Chris-
tian, and also liberal. When others had despaired before-
hand, and said we were in immediate peril of dissolution, he
had always been confident, even at the time of the greatest
confusion and excitement before the conference, that the
vote would be what it was. This vote, as Mr. Hale said,
really had not changed the character of the conference.
But it made certain words a part of the constitution itself,
and this was an important and useful thing. If anybody
feared lest two-thirds of the conference might at an} r time
by their vote change its Christian basis, he would answer,
that by a similar method provided in the national Consti-
tution, the Government of the United States might be changed
from a republic to a despotism. So ended this discussion.
Theatre-meetings were talked over, and encouraged.
Bishop Paj-ne and Bishop Brown of the African Methodist
Church were present, and Rev. Mr. Tanner, editor of " The
Christian Recorder " (African), who excited personal sym-
path}* from our people, adding much to the interest of
the occasion. Miss Amy Bradley was also present, and
was called out at Mr. Lowe's proposition. She created so
much enthusiasm for her schools in the South at Wilming-
ton, that six hundred dollars were raised for her on the
spot. The second Sundaj- in November was appointed as
missionary Sundaj- for the American Unitarian Association
collection. The conference indorsed the act of the American
Unitarian Association, by which four thousand dollars were
voted to aid the African Methodist Church.
LIFE IN TEE DENOMINATION. 409
The missionary Sunday, as Mr. Lowe terms it, was now
at hand ; and the secretary urges the people to remember it,
and make arrangements for their collections, either in the
church, or by a regularly appointed prompt committee. He
asks particularly that delegates from the conference will feel
a personal responsibility in this matter, and have all the
churches act together.
The echo of the conference had not yet died away. Scat-
tering shots were still heard from short-sighted critics on the
conservative side, and crotchety ones on the radical wing.
It is interesting to see some of the comments in " The Chris-
tian Register" at this time. Of course, there were earnest
letters from radicals and conservatives, protesting against the
Ninth Article. But we can only glance at the editorials,
which generally have the true ring. One says, "There
hardly needed more than to see the conference assembled,
to learn that it was a body very much more powerful than
any man belonging to it. We are disposed to think that
Mr. Lowe, Mr. Hale, and, indeed, the chairman of every com-
mittee that reported, felt this before they were done with
it." Speaking of the superiority of work over discussion, it
says, that " one gentleman who had been most anxious to
introduce into the meeting theological definitions, said, ' Had
I known the working character of this body, and how much
work it has to do, I never would have proposed any such
discussion.' " The editor of "The Journal," in answer to
published letters of criticism, declines to keep up the dis-
cussion in the pages of " The Journal." The best reply he
can give, he believes, is to publish the constitution of the
conference, and the able and fair, as well as Christian,
addresses made on that occasion. As we read them again,
we feel, as he did, that the whole spirit of that meeting
would do honor to any body of Christian believers. He
publishes a touching letter from Bishop Payne of the African
Church, who was so rejoiced to have our Antioch professors
give their courses of lectures at Wilberforce College. He
410 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
thanks the Unitarians again and again for " their noble, un-
selfish charity."
There are many religious and moral events of the year
that are interesting. The English bishops held their great
Lambeth Conference, and showed hopeful signs of a relaxa-
tion of the ecclesiastical cords of the State Church, which
was on the eve of its downfall in Ireland. The new and
old school Presbyterians in this country talked of uniting.
The times were hopeful. The country was still tender in its
recollections of the past, although prosperity was at hand.
Soldiers' monuments had been going up all over New Eng-
land, and our ministers were often called upon to do their
part in the consecration. The Grand Arm}- of the Repub-
lic initiated the beautiful custom of decorating the sol-
diers' graves, which has now resulted in a sacred holiday
for the people. The President of the United States was
impeached for his violation of the Constitution, and his un-
willingness to reconstruct the Southern States. The tem-
perance cause was active ; and the colored people were
already changing the laws of the Carolinas, in spite of all
the society at the South against them, and a timid govern-
ment at the North. So the world went on. This number
of " The Journal" closes, as before, with the Year-book of
the denomination.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
LAST YEAR OF "THE MONTHLY JOURNAL."
1869-187O.
Its Objects. Talk about Parishes. Address before Ministerial
Union. Hopeful Spirit. Cordial Letter from Radical Min-
ister. Conservative Sympathy. Addresses. Talk at Con-
ferences. Forty-fourth Anniversary of American Unitarian
Association. Divinity Schools. Journey West. "Old and
New." Farewell to "The Journal."
THIS is the last year of this little monthlj- bulletin for
the denomination. It is a satisfaction to know and see
that it did not die out from slow decay. It was brisk and
flourishing to the last ; and its spirit, it was hoped, would
pass into new forms of action by those who voted its discon-
tinuance.
The secretary, at the opening of this new 3 r ear, expresses
his thanks for the friendly criticisms made upon " The Jour-
nal," which were so far complements of each other, that he
concludes that the methods pursued must strike an even
mean, and suit the majority of our most earnest people. He
says, " It is not a family magazine, nor a literary or scientific
review, and is not to be judged by such a standard. We
come to you in our working-dress, to show you our work,
and talk about it, and to inspire you, if we can, with more
interest in it." He urges the ministers to co-operate with
him, and bring "The Journal " to the notice of their parishion-
ers. He then takes up the subject of the African Methodist
Church, and shows exactly how the Association is helping it.
412 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
He speaks of the lectures which our Antioch professors are
giving there, and especially of the little libraries of about
forty volumes, which the Association had made up with great
care for the students. Every person who will send to the
Association for the purpose thirty dollars, can plant one of
these libraries, he says. Here he makes the thing con-
crete. He comes right at the person, as was always his waj T ;
and the listener responds with full heart. Executive bodies
are too apt to go on doing their duty, and giving official
reports, without really creating any interest or enthusiasm
in their constituents. This was the very work of this little
" Journal," to put the giver into close relationship with the
work, and arouse the tardy to generosity. The secretary
speaks at some length about how the local conferences and
their secretaries should do missionary work in their own
localities. He is especially anxious to call into action in
this way " a score or two of ministers Mng idle because
they can find nothing to do." He has some pungent words
about vacant pulpits, and the habit of parishes of hearing
a large number of candidates, and losing the power of choice.
We must quote one passage here :
... "If the man does not suit, they ask for a different man,
to be sent the next Sunday; and, if he does please pretty well, they
are just as likely to ask the same, because it leads them to think
that good preachers are plenty, and they wish to see if the next
one may not please a little better. And so it goes on, every new
man either making some prefer him to anybody else, or else making
everybody discontented and uneasy. The prolonged habit of lis-
tening to preachers, merely with the view of trying them, as one
tastes the flavor of tea, creates a fastidious spirit ; and meantime
the absence of regular pastoral ministrations makes the religious
life of the parish decline. In nine cases out of ten, if the societies
now long without a minister had settled one of the first three men
they heard after their former pastor left, it would have been better
for them. Here conies in the help of the local conferences. Our
societies through them give each other support. The secretaries
hold themselves ready to give counsel to the societies, and confer
LAST TEAS OF " THE MONTHLY JOURNAL." 413
with the Association in their behalf. Each society enjoys the
sympathy and counsel of all the rest."
Such was his idea of the functions of the local confer-
ences. Wheels within wheels, all working together, and
tending towards some great central result, while they them-
selves were kept bright, and free from rust, in their service
for the world.
Mr. Lowe pays compliment to the two valuable periodi-
cals, "The Christian Examiner" and "The Monthly Reli-
gious Magazine," and bespeaks more subscribers for them.
He alludes With special satisfaction to Mr. Sears's position,
as defined in the magazine, in these words: "We hold,"
says Mr. Sears, " very dear the fellowship of the Unitarian
denomination. . . . But our highest allegiance is to Jesus
Christ, as the revelation of God. . . . We hold our place
in the Unitarian communion, not for the sake of being its
echoes in any thing, but exercising within it the largest and
freest utterance . . . with the courtesies inspired by Chris-
tian love." Mr. Lowe rejoices in this statement, because
Mr. Sears had been troubled at the position of the National
Conference. He contrasts this position of Mr. Sears with
" those who are tempted to withdraw, and, instead of using
the counteracting influences they might exert, give them-
selves up to morbid complainings that things are as they
are." Two new tracts for seamen were issued at this time,
and also a new edition of De Witt's "Introduction to the
New Testament." A tenth edition of Mr. Ware's " Home
Life" was published by W. V. Spencer, The Memoir of
James P. Walker appeared this season, and is reviewed in
March number. Rev. E. J. Young was appointed to the
professorship in the Cambridge Theological School, made
vacant by the death of Dr. Noyes. The " Sunday-school
Hymn and Tune Book," prepared by the joint efforts of the
secretary of the Sunday-school Society, and the Ladies'
Commission, etc., was also issued at this time. The Apri-
414 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
number contains an address of Mr. Lowe before the Minis-
terial Union in March.
His remarks in this address about the National Conference
are perhaps as applicable to-day as then, except that of late
years there has been no great disposition to discuss delicate
questions of creed and church polic}^. It was given to him
with his frail body to struggle, through all his secretaryship,
with the spirit of criticism and censure. And yet we can-
not blame the critics : the mind must ease itself ; the sky
was clearer after these showers ; and he had, with all his
fatigues and perplexities, that hopeful and practical, yet
enthusiastic, spirit, which made him see good always coming
out of the evil. In speaking of the irritable debates of the
National Conference, "which some treat with contempt, and
others with alarm," he says,
" I choose rather to see what to my mind is clear, that even in
this discussion, so warm and antagonistic, there was a deep and
unanimous accord as to great principles, the only difference being
as to the effect on these of this or that form of words. I choose
to see that what followed during the conference proved that this
difference was only on the surface, as shown by the fact, that,
with the interval of only two hours for dinner, all met again as
united as any body of men and women ever were."
Happy spirit, we may say, that saw things so cheeril}*,
and yet we believe so clearly and wisely, as the history of
our denomination afterwards proved, and proves still at this
day.
We find a letter written to him about this time by one of
our ablest young ministers, somewhat radical in his theology.
It shows that Mr. Lowe was not over-sanguine, or inclined
to draw an imaginary picture of the good feeling really ex-
isting in spite of differences of opinion. The writer says,
" For myself, all I care for is, to let it be clearly known, that I
am under.no pledges to any denomination or body of men to be-
lieve or disbelieve; and, so long as I am not required to put my
LAST YEAR OF " THE MONTHLY JOURNAL." 415
name to a declaration, I do not consider myself bound by any
resolutions of the majority."
He grows warmer, and puts in a postscript, saying,
" I must add a word to say how much I was impressed, not to
say surprised, by the cordiality, fairness, and consideration with
which I was treated at the meeting. I was almost washed from
my anchorage by the flood- tide of good feeling." . . .
This, together with the attitude of Mr. Sears, who rep-
resented the most conservative wing of the denomination,
shows that both parties were going to have all the liberty
and Christianity they wanted, without withdrawing from the
denomination.
Mr. Lowe discusses the local conferences. "People held
aloof from those at first," he says, " but at length came in,
and worked heartily." He talks plainly about persons who
stay at home Sundays reading Plato and F6nelon and Ma-
dame Guyon. " Not very bad people," he is aware. " Let
the:n know that the church needs their help. Set them to
work. You will find they will respond." This talk comes
under the head of "Organization within Societies." He
did not want, we may say, a few people doing every thing
at great centres. He wanted the centres, but he wanted
just as much the lesser wheels doing their part. He knew
no small nor great. If he could catch a person's eye in a
Bible-class or a conference, he would make him say or do
something, and rise above his ordinary self. " Excuse my
frequent use of the personal pronoun," he says once in his
address. And yet he was not generally afraid of the I,
especially if he was in his own legitimate place. He did not
often stop to think what other people would think of him.
He had a point to carry, and only thought about bringing
them round to it. We have only touched a little upon this
full address. The May number of "The Journal" begins
with some editorial notes, and the question, " Are we Unita-
rians worse than other people? " This was in answer to the
416 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
question in "The Monthly Religious Magazine," "What is
the trouble in Denmark? What other denomination empk^s
its material so ineffectually, or develops and economizes its
power so poorly?" So the secretary has to keep answer-
ing. But the pricks only brighten him sometimes. He jokes
away the charges. He tells the story of King Charles, who
puzzled his courtiers by his question, Why it was, that, if
you put a live fish into a vessel full of water, the water will
not run over? After man} 1 " ingenious explanations, and the
invention of all sorts of theories, it occurred to one to test
the thing ; and he found the water did run over. So, before
wasting anxious thought over the query why "Denmark"
is troubled so much more than other denominations, it is
pertinent to see if it is troubled more. So he goes on to
compare our statistics with the orthodox, and they are very
favorable to us.
A liberal Christian movement was starting in Switzerland ;
and Mr. Lowe gives some intelligence of it to the reader,
and publishes his correspondence with the leaders. He also
receives a letter from Rev. Robert Spear, the energetic and
able secretary of the British and Foreign Unitarian Associa-
tion, who was putting new life into the English Unitarians.
We find rough draughts of an address which he delivered
during the spring at Washington, D.C., also a dedicatory
address made in Springfield, Mass., and a Sunday-school
paper given in Newton, Mass. Here are one or two little,
torn scraps of paper, which show how he talked to people
when he went on his missionary tours. A faded pencil-mark
that says this: "We ask you to give in this way : 'Give,
not as you would if asked for some needy church alone,
for Miss Amy Bradley alone, for the freedmen alone, or for
our publications alone, but for all combined.' ' He had no
objection to people's giving to their pet projects, but he
wanted them also to have confidence enough in the Associa-
tion to give cordially to it without restrictions, or a close
spirit of calculation or criticism. On another torn fragment
LAST YEAE OF " THE MONTHLY JOURNAL." 417
he seems to be asking somebody to help work, and says,
"But I hope you won't need an}' thing more 'than a little
quiet thinking to make you say ' Yes.' "
The forty-fourth anniversary of the Association comes
round, and the secretary publishes his report of the year's
work. We have already known about this work. He wishes
particularly to impress upon his hearers the fact that our
work is now not so much to spread liberal thought, for
that is taking care of itself, but to organize it, and make
it effective for good. Our church is to be " the nucleus for
that, and to find there its mission." He gives in "The
Journal" the list of books they had prepared for the freed-
men. He takes pains to say that the Association had been
careful in no way to interfere with the branch of work done
by the Freedmen's Aid Society, or to divert any thing from
their funds, bestowed largely by Unitarians. The meeting in
the Music Hall was good. Next comes the subject of the
Cambridge Divinity School. Mr. Lowe's plan for giving the
students practical work during their course, did not appear
to meet with favor from the committee at the time. He
returns, however, to the charge in his supplementary report.
He offers again his resolutions ; the last one, as we remem-
ber, being his plan for the student to be, at intervals between
the terms, with some valuable pastor, and learn the practical
work of the ministry. He says some pretty plain things.
" Here is a company of young men living together, and pursu-
ing together, day after day, and month after month, the study of
the Bible, and the deepest questions of the spiritual life. This
study is their daily business. They will, of course, handle these
questions in their familiar talks and discussions, in all sorts of
moods and conditions of mind. ... Now, to continue such a sys-
tem uninterruptedly during the entire three years of study, in the
course of which all the vital questions are investigated, is, I do not
hesitate to say, a terrible risk. I do not make these remarks of
the Cambridge School in particular, the atmosphere of which I
believe compares favorably with other theological schools. The
418 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
objections to this change on account of expense, I think, are not
valid. Beneficiary aid is now given Some receive it without
harm, but many are injured by it. This change does away with
the necessity for pecuniary aid. Only six or seven months would
be spent in the school ; and the rest of the year, not only need be
no expense, but might, by earnings, defray the expenses of the
rest. . . . Some will say that the time spent in earning money
will rob them of their time for study. . . . We are run away with
by such close estimates of time. . . . We count niggardly the
time that would be lost if the young student should give up, for
some such purpose as this proposed, a few months in the year.
We have little to say about the time he loses every day by dys-
pepsia, and the habitual lack of mental clearness and spiritual
vigor."
He was evidently talking somewhat from his own expe-
rience. Instead of lowering the standard of theological
preparation, he thinks his plan would raise it. It would
encourage a more complete and varied training and devel-
opment, and it would lead students to take a longer time
for their preparation. He trusts that at least a committee
will be appointed to consider these questions. We find a
rough draught of a letter written about this time to a young
divinity student who had been carrying out his plans some-
what by studying with a valued minister. In regard to these
methods, he writes to the young man,
" I am sure I have not been actuated by coldness or indifference
to the struggles of young men, but rather by regard to what I am
more and more every day convinced is a consideration of great
importance. The ministry is a profession in which, with a few
exceptions, a man must always struggle against inadequate pecun-
iary support; and the only way in which he can go through it
without having a sense all the time of indebtedness, and inability
to pay, or a dependence which saps his manliness of character, is
by learning and practising habits of independence. Just so soon
as he consents to put off to-day's burdens, trusting to the future,,
or to assume obligations, hoping that this uncertain future will
enable him to redeem them, he is in a dangerous way. And I
LAST TEAR OF " THE MONTHLY JOURNAL." 419
have known so many cases in the ministry where most worthy men
have impaired their character and usefulness in this way, that I
believe I am right when I declare that there is nothing in our
preparation for the profession that is more important than this
habit of self-dependence, and the determination not to come under
the temptation which obligations easily incurred will be likely to
involve. There is developed, moreover, an exacting spirit, which
is not healthful, nor consistent with the highest respect. I cannot
help recalling the remark of a young minister once, that he had
a ' right to be helped ' This is a tone of demand which was
not encouraging to those who are disposed to give, but it is espe-
cially harmful in its re-acting influence upon the man himself."
It is worth while for us to remember that Mr. Lowe en-
deavored to practise in his youth what he now preached.
Although his father was able and willing to pay his expenses
through college and the theological school, the young man,
as we know, was alwaj's at work as tutor, earning money.
He bought all his books in this way. At the time of his
marriage he had laid up in various ways four or five thousand
dollars. Dangerous earnings, we may say, considering his
bodity health ; unwise, perhaps ; but we like the spirit of the
student.
The November collections are earnestly called for in the
October number of "The Journal." The secretary places
his reliance on the local conferences for arranging and for-
warding this work. He thinks the people are ready to give,
but they need to have the conference officers lay out the
work. Many persons who put a small sum into the contri-
bution-box, would cheerfully give much more, if, in accord-
ance with a regular system, the}* were visited each year, and
told about the need of our distant churches. Rev. C. C.
Everett, to the great satisfaction of all parties, was appointed
dean and Bussey professor of theology in the Cambridge
Divinity School. In the November number Mr. Lowe gives a
report of a tour he had made through the West. He was very
much struck with the morale of Antioch College, and u the
420 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
homelike character of brothers and sisters of the same family
stuctying together." Thus he at once became a convert to
co-education as he saw it there. He was delighted with
Wilberforce University, belonging to the African Methodist
Church, and with Bishop Paine, " the heart and soul of it."
At the Western Conference he saw "the unanimous deter-
mination to unify the action of the denomination," and was
much pleased with their resolutions, promising hearty co-
operation with the Association. Chicago was starting its
fourth society. The Central New- York Conference was
calling out new representatives, who would soon help them-
selves. The presiding elder of the Second Quarterly Con-
ference of the African Methodist Church, writes a letter
thanking the American Unitarian Association for the libra-
ries which had been sent out, and says, "Language fails
fully to express our sense of gratitude and high appreciation
of so invaluable a contribution."
The secretar} T presses the second Sunday in November
upon the attention of the people, and especially upon the
ministers. He did not ask or wish the ministers to collect
money themselves, but he did wish them to stimulate their
people, and have the work done systematically. He asks
earnestly that the ministers will read his circular to their
congregations. We find the printed circular which he wishes
them to read, and we notice that it is not a manifesto from
the Association, or any executive committee, but from him,
Charles Lowe, addressed to his " Christian Brethren," and
signed "respectfully yours." So he always brought him-
self face to face with the churches and people.
In the November number the editor speaks of these col-
lections ; and he takes particular pleasure in recording the
fact that some ministers (on both right and left wings of the
denomination, we may sa}*) who had the year before objected
to ask their people to give any thing to the American Uni-
tarian Association, on the ground of dissatisfaction with its
policy, now sent in cheerfully their contributions. Such a
LAST YEAR OF " THE MONTHLY JOURNAL." 421
reconciler was he at this era of doubtful disputation. But
the end was not yet.
The good little " Monthly " is now going to say good-b}'.
We are sorry to part with it. We think all the workers
were. It was modest; but it had its sphere, and filled it
well. Besides all its working- force, it had always able con-
tributions from our best writers, and literary notices which
we have not reported. A new denominational review, called
" Old and New," was to be started at the suggestion of the
National Conference. Rev. E. E. Hale was chosen editor.
He and his friends had purchased " The Christian Exam-
iner," and the Association was to loan the money. The
Association "was to have no control or responsibility in
connection with ' The Review,' which would be wholly under
the management of Mr. Hale." The only condition stipu-
lated was, " that each number should contain as much dis-
tinctively religious or theological or denominational matter
as had been circulated in 'The Monthly Journal.' ' For the
character of the matter, " they confided in the well-known
ability and purpose of the editor." Mr. Lowe confesses
that this plan is not the " ideal of their committee, but yet
the best practicable one." Some of them would like to have
"The Review" more denominational; but, on the other
hand, we should get for our " Review " a wider circulation,
and our writers on religious themes might address a new and
larger public. Whether "Old and New" was a success,
now depended on the hearty co-operation of writers and
readers.
Mr. Lowe must have received some intimation at this time,
that the parish in Cambridge, Mass., would like him for
their pastor. " The Christian Register " reports later, that
he received a unanimous call to Cambridge. It was a great
temptation to him. We well remember the half-sigh with
which he accepted the final verdict of those nearest and
dearest to him, that his health would not allow him to be the
pastor of so large and important a parish.
422 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
The list of contributions taken in November amounted to
about nine thousand dollars, according to "The Journal."
This was only a beginning of collections, but was probably
a larger one than was ever taken so early in the autumn
before.
The little "Journal" now takes farewell of us. The ed-
itor tells us how it was started in January, 1860, by Rev.
J. F. Clarke, who conducted it until June, 18G5, when he
was succeeded by the present editor. It had, therefore, just
completed a decade. He sa} T s,
" We cannot resign this monthly task without a feeling of
regret. It has been a means of regular communication with the
churches. It may have sometimes lain neglected in the pews; but,
after the issue of every number, we have received, both within and
without our denomination, in this country and abroad, such hearty
words, as to encourage us in the belief, that, according to its mod-
est plan, ' The Journal ' was helping the interest of our cause. If
its suspension involved the abandonment of what ' The Journal '
has aimed to do, we could not acquiesce in the change. But, as
we understand it, ' The Journal ' simply gives way for something
which should do its work, and more, with a larger aim and a
broader scope ; and the change is in accordance with the growing
opportunities and enlarged sphere of our denomination. Accord-
ingly, the last days of ' The Journal ' are its brightest, since it is
permitted to look forward upon a grander future for Unitarianism.
During the ten years of its continuance, its only purpose has been
to live and work for the Unitarian cause; and it is now ready just
as cheerfully to die for it."
CHAPTER XL.
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION.
1870.
Shots at the National Conference. " Register's " Sympathy.
Dr. Clarke's Article. Women on the Board. A New Move-
ment. Mr. Lowe's Opinion of It. Anniversary Meeting.
Mr. Lowe's Defence. Triumph. Ladies' Commission. Mr.
Lowe's Call to Cambridge. Kind Words from Press and
Ministers. Sharp-shooting in " Register." Statement of
Faith. Circular of New Movement. Pacific " Layman."
Good Works Continued.
AS we have lost our little chart, we must now turn to our
files of "The Christian Register" for the year 1870.
"The Register" begins the year with good energy, and
there is a great deal in it which we would like to recall ; but
we must confine ourselves principally to those columns and
items which refer to the work of the secretary of the Ameri-
can Unitarian Association, whose life we are tracing. The
Boston-theatre meetings are still kept up with interest, and
excited so much enthusiasm, that our orthodox friends
started a course of lectures on " Scepticism and Christian-
ity," feeling naturally that they ought to be doing their part
for the community. The distant shots are still heard firing
upon the " National Conference," charging it, from both
sides, as being too Christian or too un-Christian ; and " The
Register" stoutly maintains its ground, that the conference
has struck the proper mean, and is both Christian and liberal.
It prints an extract from a sermon, which the secretary
424 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
preached before the New-York and Hudson-River Confer-
ence, on " Unitarianism a Hospitable Faith." It introduces
this in its list of items, by saying, " Mr. Lowe, in his New-
York sermon, spoke the word for the hour, as he is very apt
to do if he speaks at all." The secretary maintains in his
sermon, that the free position we hold is in strict accord with
the teachings and the spirit of Christ and of Paul. . . .
" We do hold one profession of faith; viz., a common allegiance
to Jesus Christ as our head. It is fair to suppose that none will
claim or wish to work with us, who do not ' profess and call them-
selves Christians,' and thus in some real sense acknowledge them-
selves disciples of Jesus Christ. But, under this simple profession,
the variations of belief as to the nature and office of Christ exist
among us in perfect freedom. And while these differences do lead
to much serious heartacbing, and earnest mutual discussion (I should
be sorry if they did not, for it would imply a state of indifference
to such great themes), yet we will hope that thereby the sacred
cause of truth is being served; and we will not, because of them,
abandon that great principle of liberty of which it is our glory to
be pre-eminently the inheritors."
"Old and New," the new magazine, was now fairly
launched upon its way. " The Register " calls it bright and
attractive. The prose and poetry were good. Dr. Clarke
and others were furnishing reviews of books, and " The
Record of Progress ' ' is pronounced ' ' rich and full as ever. ' '
The " situation " of the denomination was vigorously dis-
cussed in "The Register," and the Free Religionists held
their radical club for religious culture ; but the practical work
goes on in spite of " many men with many minds." The
Hon. Anson Burlingame, our minister to China, an illustri-
ous member of Mr. Ware's parish, died about this period.
In spite of the broad and Christian policy of the American
Unitarian Association and its secretary, the battle-cry still
sounds ; and Dr. J. F. Clarke answers it in an article in
" The Register," called " The New Movement." We shall
not be able to quote from this valuable article. It is sufficient
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 425
to say that it has the true ring in it. Dr. Clarke states that
a movement appears about to be inaugurated among Unitari-
ans, to form another association, with some kind of a creed
for a basis of union. Dr. Clarke says, " This creed will
probably contain some articles affirming the supernatural
character of Christianity and the superhuman nature of
Jesus. The object will be, to exclude radicals, and unite
together those who are sound on these points." We know
what Dr. Clarke's arguments are, as we have already been
over this ground with Mr. Lowe : only, it is a satisfaction to
find so valuable a man as Dr. Clarke taking the same broad
position. Dr. Clarke says, persons have a perfect right to
form new associations ; but he thinks this enterprise "a mis-
take, and likely to prove a failure." He advises people who
believe in Christianity and freedom, "to stay where they
are, and be content." The poor old " Christian Examiner "
gets a great many stones thrown at it, on the ground that its
demise showed a decay of faith. But the fact was, that it
suffered great pecuniary hardships during the war, and died
because our people would not support it. Its honorable and
distinguished hisUwy in the past should have saved it from
cavils in the hour of its departure.
The Association will now have its records in " The Regis-
ter;" and Mr. Lowe has, on April 16, a letter from the
South, where he had been visiting. We know his good
opinion of Wilberforce College ; and he now reports from
Charleston, S.C., where he says the pastor of the African
Church, Rev. Mr. Brown, with his congregation of three
thousand persons, comes very near to the ideal of what we
should desire the work of a church and pastor among these
people to be. He says, "We foresaw that there would be
vigorous attempts at the control of these people's minds,
which could best be resisted by some large and able organi-
zation of their own." He speaks encouragingly of our Uni-
tarian church in Charleston, and pays now a high tribute to
the zeal and self-sacrificing devotion of that little band there.
426 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
The Anti-slavery Society disbands this month, after a noble
warfare, seeing the promised land now in possession. The
Liberal Catholic party abroad mourns the death of the dis-
tinguished Count de Montalembert. Renan's "Life of Je-
sus" was exciting great attention, and Rev. H. "W. Beecher's
"Life of Christ" was in press. The translation of Bun-
sen's "God in History" was completed this season. Dr.
Clarke's article on "The New Movement" calls out a cordial
response from a contributor, " S. S. H.," who sa3 r s, "We
are glad to see the broad and generous tone taken b} T ' The
Register.' " We notice these communications, in order that
the reader may see that this policy was not a despotic scheme
in the mind of the secretary and his associates, but met with
ready 83 r mpathy from the majority of readers, as it did at the
National Conference.
We follow "The Register" along, touching lightly, in
passing, upon events that concern liberal thought, and halt-
ing when we find our secretary's name. A new edition of
Dean Stanley's "Sinai and Palestine" was published in
New York, and was working its way into our Sunday schools.
Keshub Chunder Sen, the East-Indian liberal religious re-
former, was making quite a sensation in England. A little
sparring still goes on about the "National Conference,"
but "The Register" reports $10,000 more raised the last
year than the one before. An effort was being made to
remove the " Meadville Theological School " to Chicago, but
did not succeed. The society in Washington, D.C., made
overtures to the Association in favor of giving over their
church-property, in case the American Unitarian Association
would build a new metropolitan church in that city. The
death of Mrs. John Farrar was a great loss at this time
among women in our Unitarian ranks.
Mr. Lowe publishes in "The Register" of May 21 the
fort}*-fifth annual report at the May anniversaries. He gives
an account of the origin of " Old and New," and the con-
ditions under which the Association sanctioned this new
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 427
magazine, having confidence in the ability of Eev. E. E.
Hale to conduct it, and his good will to make it serve the
cause of our denomination. Mr. Lowe goes over their vari-
ous projects, and is happy to say that the Unitarian Mission
in Paris has resolved itself into practical S3'mpathy with
Athanase Coquerel^s, who is about starting a liberal French
societ} r , and will be glad to have our co-operation in his
work. Rev. L. J. Livermore was invited by the executive
committee to assume part of the duties at the American
Unitarian Association rooms, on account of the increase
of work. There was some pretty lively talk at the morn-
ing meeting. Among other questions the propriety, of
having women on the board of the American Unitarian
Association was brought up by Rev. J. I. T. Sargent.
Dr. Clarke then offered a resolution to that effect ; and,
when the members showed a disposition to discuss it, Dr.
Clarke expressed boldly and firmly his opinion that it was
a question which did not need discussion. After a great
deal of talk for and against, he asked, if there was no
objection, to nominate two ladies. He had already con-
sulted the secretary, Mr. Lowe, and asked him what eligible
ladies there were ; and Mr. Lowe said there were ladies who
had worked well on the "Ladies' Commission," and he in-
ferred that they would work well on this committee. He
found that the first name Mr. Lowe had in his mind was the
same which he had in his mind. There was a good deal more
talk. It was discovered that the two ladies were not mem-
bers of the Association : that was an obstacle. Dr. Clarke
asked the secretary if officers of the Association were not
sometimes chosen before they had become members. The
secretary dryly remarked that he, by accident, was not a
member of the Association at the time he was elected. The
matter was, however, brought to an untimely end by the deli-
cacy of two gentlemen, friends of the aforesaid ladies, who
would not believe that they would accept, and requested their
names to be withdrawn.
428 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
Mr. Lowe now read a paper on the policy of the Associa-
tion. This paper was in reply to "The New Movement"
chronicled in "The Register," by which some of our best
men were seriously contemplating the formation of a new
part}' in the denomination, which should exclude those who
could not subscribe to certain statements of faith which
should be drawn up. These statements were to be very
simple ; but still, they must be looked upon in some meas-
ure as a creed, or at least a test of membership. We know
alread}' what Mr. Lowe's opinion was upon this subject, as
shown in his published statement of the policy of the Asso-
ciation in 1868, after the Second National Conference. But
this matter had now assumed graver proportions. Some
of his best friends, venerable men, were seriously criticising
the Association, and ready to take steps which would divide
the denomination, and in his mind work very disastrous
results. He was sorely tried, not only with the dissatisfac-
tion of his personal friends, but especially with anxiety for
the church he loved so well.
It was in the spring of the }*ear, when his bodily strength
always flagged. He was boarding in the city for a few
weeks, to avoid exposure to the east winds. We can see
him now, as he came in at intervals from his office to get
away from the pressure there, and threw himself down upon
the sofa pale and exhausted. Sometimes he would sleep.
Sometimes he would lie thinking, and say, ' ' I don't know
how this is going to end." Another time he would discuss
the question aloud, and say, " If a man wishes to be a
Christian, and calls himself one, we have no right to say he
is not if his life is pure. We have no right to define Chris-
tianity for another." Then he would brighten up. "He
knew," he said, " that such a division in our church was
not going to happen." He had been writing letters all over
the country to see what the feeling was, and had an instinct
that the majority of our ministers, conservative and radi-
cal, would go with him. So he worked his way along to
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 429
this anniversary meeting, which was to be so important a one
in the history of the denomination.
Now comes his report before the Tuesday meeting. He
speaks in this paper of the recent criticisms of the policy
of the Association ; and in answer to the charge from a few,
that there is a general want of confidence in the American
Unitarian Association, he reminds them that the contribu-
tions have never been so universal as the past year. He
does not like to take up their time in repeating arguments
he has used before, but they must see that there is no
dividing-line in our denomination among those who call
themselves Christians.
" People talk about radical and conservative as they would
speak of Englishmen and Frenchmen. But those infinite shad-
ings of belief by which men radical on some points are conser-
vative on others, make such an arbitrary division a practical
impossibility. Those who have the word ' radical ' on their
tongues with aversion, forget that with these men there may be a
religious fervor, a spirit of generous inquiry, and certain kinds of
positive conviction, we can ill afford to spare. Even if this pro-
posed division were possible, it would be of doubtful expediency.
It would be easy to point to some of our most valued ministers,
who, under such a policy, would have been driven away. ... If
Unitarianism were going to be petrified by some process, and
so forever fixed and perpetuated just as it is to-day, there are many
features that I, for one, should not think of tolerating, which now
I am ready to leave to the gradual remedy of growth. ... It is
the right influence we want; and so my great longing is, that our
brethren of earnest faith, instead of using severity, and giving so
much time to criticism, or to measures of exclusion, will lend all
their energies to give their wholesome and positive influence in
ways that their own Christian fervor and love make them so fitted
to command/'
He declares again, as he has done before, that the evils
which are complained of are the inevitable results of in-
dividual liberty, the principle on which Unitarianism rests.
"Liberty and Christian Faith, this is the dualism of our
430 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
policy ; and that of radicalism and conservatism is merely in-
cidental to it." He asks to state again frankly, as he did in
his other article, what these evils are. He goes over again
the charge that the Association may occasionally support
men whom some contributors may not approve. He answers,
as we may remember before, that such evils are incidental to
all corporate bodies, and are recognized and overlooked by
the best orthodox on account of the principle of liberty, and
the wide differences in the most earnest thinkers and work-
ers. He uses again the illustration of our republican form
of government, and asks whether we shall decline to help
its onward march because out of it minor ills, and even
wickedness, are evolved? . . . "We could wish," he sa} r s,
"that every dollar might go for the purpose we love, that
there were no eddies in the great sweep of earnest endeavor ;
but there always are : and it is very possible for those who
sit on the bank to see if all is going right, to point to some
of the chips that are floating the other way. The only alter-
native is, either to be willing to give with generous fidelity
towards the agencies which best represent our ideal of true
Christian work, or else absolutely to refrain from all endeavor,
and, when our great Master and Head shall come, sa}*, ' I knew
thee that thou art a hard man,' demanding perfection, or
else nothing, 'and so I hid thy talent in the ground."
He does not wish to speak disrespectfully of those who are
honestly concerned about these evils ; but he believes he has
shown how insignificant they are, compared with the general
influence of our work. He considers now the remedy pro-
posed for these evils ; that is, a creed.
" Perhaps we are too sensitive about creeds; but I believe to-day,
that, if a statement of truth were introduced, to be used as an au-
thoritative declaration, a large portion, including some of our best
men, would withdraw from our fellowship. ... I am reminded
of what a man said the other day, a conservative man of calm
temperament, and mature judgment and conviction: he said, ' If he
should sign any thing like a creed, he should first indorse it as they
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 431
do tickets for railroads and concerts, ' ' good for this day only. " ' It
will not do for us to ignore this temper of our people and our times,
and try to force upon them something at which they so reluct. . . .
We may think it excessive, and feel impatient, because it prevents
now some reasonable measures that we desire ; but we cannot help
respecting it, and / am ready to take heed how I offend it."
This last firm assertion, which the secretary made with a
distinct and solemn voice, was received a second in impres-
sive silence ; and then the applause went from seat to seat :
there was no mistaking the sentiment of that audience, their
determination to stand by the broad policy of their secretary
and the Association. He need not have said any more.
His work was done : the question was settled. But his
eye brightened at this response from a great audience that
had come there to discuss, and found nothing to do ; that had
come there to argue, and saw itself convinced. But he goes
on cheerily to speak of that anxiety which some of us have, to
stand well in the ej-es of other denominations, and therefore
want a creed ; and shows how the orthodox believers are all
giving theirs up (that is, the strict formulas of faith), and
how the most popular ministers that day were the ones who
said little about the old doctrines, and much about the Chris-
tian life. He speaks of Stanley and Martineau and Alford
and Coquerel and Hyacinthe, etc., and of a higher unity than
the Christian world has ever known, which is to come from
this loosening of the binding power of creeds. He hopes the
feeling is not an unworthy one, but he should be sorry to
have others come in and occup} r the position as their own
original discovery, which belonged to our fathers, and which
we have abandoned.
. . . "For my own part, so confident do I feel of the correct-
ness of our position, and so significant appear to me the signs of
the times, that I venture to predict, that, although we are now so
few, there are some present here, who, if they remain steadfast,
will live to find themselves on this question with the majority of
the Protestant world."
432 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
This ends the plea for liberality, of which we have only
quoted passages here and there as connecting links. Now
he speaks for Christianity. He says,
" It is so well known that the term ' Christian ' is incorporated
into the constitution of the Association, that it seems hardly neces-
sary to repeat it. Your officers have never lost sight of the fact,
that the Association is not the agency of a system of philosophy,
but of a Christian communion. But, if any desire to re-affirm our
position, I see no objection to it. If a resolution were offered
to-day, simply declaring our discipleship to Jesus Christ, and our
acceptance of his teachings for our guide as revealed to us in the
Gospels, I should most heartily vote for it. But this does not
define the test of discipleship as regards the particulars of one's
belief, but leaves every one free to his own interpretation."
We see here the point of all his argument. He had no
aversion to statements of faith, to affirmations : he only
strongly objected to their being made tests of fellowship.
See what he says to the so-called radicals.
"I know there is a good deal of sensitiveness on the part of a
portion of our brethren, which would make them reluct at this
much of a declaration. They say it is unnecessary to keep repeat-
ing what has once been declared. It is like saying 'Lord, Lord!'
and has an aspect of can't. Let us not carry this sensitiveness too
far. When a child every morning repeats her ' dear papa,' you do
not stop her by telling her that she said that yesterday, and that
you are willing to assume that her affections remain the same.
You do not blame the soldier for making his rallying-cry. There
is a kind of instinct in our nature which makes us like to repeat
the same things, when reason would say that there is no need; and
it is just as much a fettering of our nature to repress this instinct,
as it is to tie it by a creed. There is a positive use in such re-
affirmation; although, as in the case of our national Constitution
of the United States, high authorities are sometimes ready to pro-
nounce these solemn declarations 'glittering generalities.' Provi-
dentially, the founders of this Association, as it would seem, have
not connected with it any thing that could not probably be unani-
mously re-affirmed."
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 433
The secretary regrets to take up so much of their time, but
he must answer one more charge ; and that is, that the Asso-
ciation is holding a " timid policy."
"It is mortifying to be obliged to affirm that one has not
been swayed by motives of fear from doing what he thought was
right. But, if there are any who imagine it was so, I would re-
mind them, that, if inclined to be thus influenced, it would have
been otherwise. If there has been any thing hard to bear, it has
been the constant pressure of men whom we value, and with whose
theological position we agree, and to hear them charge the Asso-
ciation with being false to Christian truth; and, on the other hand,
to bear the misrepresentations, rendered plausible by our liberal
position, of those who attribute to us opinions which we especially
disapprove. When I compare, with a view to the relative amount
of courage required to maintain it, the attitude recommended by
those who call us timid (viz., that we should resort to a creed),
with that taken by the Association, it seems to me like that of the
mariner, who, with his thoughts always on the safety of his craft,
at the very first signs of a storm seeks shelter in a port, compared
to that of another, who, in spite of rough weather and tempestuous
seas, keeps his vessel on her course, carrying forward her freight,
and fulfilling her career.
"Brethren, in conclusion let me beg that we carefully consider
before we do any thing to forfeit the liberal basis on which this
Association now stands."
Rev. George H. Hepworth, who had been prominent in
the new movement, rose, and after paying a compliment to
the address of the secretary, for its "gentle and kindly tone,
and conciliatory spirit," declared, that, from his stand-point,
" it is false in its minor propositions, false in its major propo-
sitions, and therefore false in its conclusions." The fre-
quent applause of the audience during the address, he says,
shows him that he differs from the majority present. But
he must speak. He moves thaf a committee of five be ap-
pointed by that meeting, who shall prepare a " Statement oi
Faith" which shall represent, as nearly as may be, the reli-
gious opinions of the Unitarian denomination. He gives a
434 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
good many eloquent arguments in its favor, showing how
convenient it would be for the frontier worker, etc. ' ' The
Register" reports "faint applause." Mr. Hepworth took
it good-naturedly, and said, " Please don't applaud, because
the applause is so feeble." All of Mr. Hepworth's plea,
we know, the Association would agree to : only, instead of
circulating one man's or one committee's creed of Christian
faith, it was willing to circulate a dozen, which it practically
did then, and does to-day, so broad is the divine gospel of
Jesus Christ. But when Mr. Hepworth says, " that nobody
wanted a ' creed,' that Mr. Lowe had knocked down a man
of straw, and done it valiantly," the audience applauds vigor-
ously. In spite of this assertion, they remembered the arti-
cle in "The Register" headed "The New Movement," to
which Dr. Clarke and others replied, which distinctly pointed
to a new Association, with conditions of membership which
would exclude a good portion of the denomination. Mr.
Lowe was not a man of fancies : he was not nervous or
despondent. He saw things as they were. He had the best
reasons for knowing that there were deliberate movements
for dividing the denomination, because he was on terms of
friendship with the movers. He meant to fight them down
with all his might, and he did.
Rev. A. D. Mayo and Rev. Robert Collyer spoke, and
expressed a desire for a more authoritative statement of faith
from our denomination ; but neither of them wanted the
Association to make it. They proposed to get this unwel-
come business again on to the " National Conference," which
had already maintained its Christian ground, and got calm
after much excitement. Mr. Collyer's heart, however, relents
at the thought of having his radical brethren "ruled out."
He will not have this statement of faith " a test of fellow-
ship ; " and thus these two gentlemen practically agreed with
Mr. Lowe, who, as we see, believed in certain affirmations
as well as they, and had stoutly held on with the majority at
the conference to the statement of adherence to the leader-
THE POLICY OF THE UNITAEIAN ASSOCIATION. 435
ship of Jesus Christ. Dr. Bellows now came forward. So
profound and tender was his reverence for the Christian veri-
ties, that he may have listened patiently to those engaged
in the " new movement " out of respect to their earnestness
of purpose ; and so susceptible were his sympathies, that
perhaps he was carried along for the moment by their feel-
ing. But when he got into this meeting, and heard the
address of the secretary, whom he loved, and with whom he
had always worked without a jar, he was like the war-horse
who scents the battle, and was all on fire for liberty. We
wish we could quote his speech. The audience was elec-
trified. The house rang with prolonged applause. Rev.
J. T. Sargent rose, and expressed great surprise and pleasure
at Dr. Bellows 's speech. Mr. Hepworth took it all goocl-
humoredly, but he believed the Unitarian denomination
would come to this statement which he proposed. It was a
small thing to ask for, yet he could not get it, he supposed ;
but he gave them notice that he was not exactly down, and
he was going to keep the thing going until he got it. He
should fight it out if it took all summer. Dr. Hedge rose,
and made a short but pungent speech, saying that Unitarian-
ism was not a theology, but a collection of theologies. It
was a protest against the very thing which the gentlemen
wished to have. "Let Brother Hepworth for his campaign
document," he said, "take the tracts which have been
issued by the American Unitarian Association. We have
said in past years that we believed in the tracts : we say we
believe in those now issued, and so we go on. I don't see
but what we have done, and are doing, precisely this thing
after all." Rev. E. E. Hale added a word, to say that he
fully agreed with his distinguished friend, and this was his
view in regard to a denominational journal.
The question was then put, and the resolution for an
authorized statement of faith was defeated by a large ma-
jority. Rev. T. J. Mumford offered a resolution expressing
" profound satisfaction with the address of the secretary,
436 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
and heart} T approval of his course," which was unanimously
adopted. Dr. Hedge moved that a copy of the address be
requested for publication.
The nominating committee presented their report ; and on
the list of names was one lady, Miss Lucretia Crocker. The
following resolution was passed: "That the nominating
committee for the ensuing }~ear be instructed to nominate
three or four ladies as members of the executive committee."
The Music-hall meeting was very animated. The president,
Judge Chapin, made a fine opening address ; and others
made stirring missionary appeals. We see in this meeting,
if we read the reports of it, how many young men were
asked to speak. It was always in Mr. Lowe's mind to mag-
nify the work of }"oung men, especially at the missionary
outposts. The nominating committee were of the same feel-
ings as he : they knew that what the denomination needed
was, not so much to hear always the golden words of their
veterans in the service, precious though they were, as the
fresh utterance of men who were in the thick of the fight
against bigotry and wrong.
Rev. Robert Collyer closed the meeting with an eloquent
speech. The Music-hall festival was a brilliant one. Hon.
H. H. Coolidge presided, and made a bright opening speech ;
and there were other fine addresses. The Ladies' Commis-
sion had its reception. Remarks were made by both ladies
and gentlemen. "The Register" says that this meeting
proved that the ladies there could talk as well as work.
We find a few minutes of a little address which Mr. Lowe
appears to have made before this meeting of the Ladies' Com-
mission, which shows unmistakably how he felt about their
work. He says,
"I think there is nothing connected with the work of the
American Unitarian Association which I regard with more com-
plete satisfaction than the results of the labor of the ' Ladies'
Commission on Sunday-school books ' They will pardon me for
speaking of it as part of the American Unitarian Association
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 437
work. It is, indeed, entirely distinct and independent, as much
so as the American Unitarian Association itself; and yet, by its
origin and its intimate relations, it is so peculiarly allied to it, in
my mind at least, that, when lately we have been speaking of it
as a new feature ' to have women upon the executive committee
of the American Unitarian Association, I have had a feeling that
virtually we had had women there for the last five years and
more."
"The Register" for June 4 pronounces the anniversaiy
meetings very satisfactory. " The annual meeting had been
anticipated with no little anxiety, in expectation of a heated
discussion. The result showed unmistakably that there was
no real ground for apprehension. The Association declares
that ' it will adhere to the fundamental principles of liberty
which form the foundations of Unitarianism. Mr. Lowe's
address was a comprehensive and masterly statement of the
subject, and Dr. Bellows's speech carried all before it by its
resistless eloquence.' " The paper also reports that the
prayer-meetings during the week were unusuall}' earnest and
devout, showing that an activity of thought on doctrinal
questions, when well directed in a Christian spirit, does not
deaden the spiritual life, but rather enlarges it. The free
religionists, as well as other religious bodies, had very inter-
esting meetings. Rev. David Reed, the founder of "The
Register," and its devoted proprietor and editor for forty-
five years, died the next week ; also Mr. W. V. Spencer,
the publisher of a high class of liberal theological and philo-
sophical works.
The Orthodox and Methodist papers make very merry
over our " attempts to have a creed, and the defeat." In
the July number, Mr. Lowe publishes a letter from Rev. A.
Coquerel of Paris, showing his cordial plans for making his
church a centre for English as well as liberal French wor-
ship. The controversy keeps up a little every week in " The
Register." We could hardly expect it would die out at
once. Some offensive charges are made on Unitarian minis-
488 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
ters and the American Unitarian Association, drawn from
the imprudent utterances of some crack-brained preacher ;
and "The Register" gets a little more excited than usual
in its zeal, and says, " Gentlemen of the executive commit-
tee, if you value your influence with our churches, you must
not be silent." But the American Unitarian Association had
already spoken through its secretary, and given its vote ; and
it was not inclined to open anj* further discussion. "A
Unitarian minister" pops up in its columns, and asks about
the statement of faith used by Rev. Mr. Hepworth in his
church. He calls it "very indefinite." It has now and
then, about salvation, a little orthodox flavor ; but it will not
suit either party, " Not the Unitarians, certainty ; and the
Orthodox know, that, although it may sound evangelical,
there are a great many loop-holes of escape." This good-
natured criticism may argue nothing against Mr. Hepworth's
statement of faith, but it shows how impossible it would be
to suit the denomination. " Old and New " gives a notice
of the proceedings of the American Unitarian Association,
and says, " The resolution indorsing the statement of the
secretary is a declaration of no little importance in the
Unitarian body."
"The London Inquirer" of this month contains a long
article on Mr. Lowe's address, commending this "compre-
hensive paper and the vote of the Association." We find
in the next number of " The Register," that " Rev. Charles
Lowe," as we have anticipated, "has received a call from
the First Parish in Cambridge." " The Cambridge pulpit is
a very important one," says "The Register;" "but there
never was a time when Mr. Lowe's calm and stead}' courage,
perfect fairness, and thorough knowledge of both men and
measures, and entire sweetness of spirit, were more needed.
Good preachers are not so rare as good secretaries, in whose
hands the largest and most weighty interests are more than
safe." This was a season of events. War was in danger
of breaking out in Europe again. Charles Dickens ha
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 439
died ; and his final position in the other world seemed to
occupy theologians, or rather sensational preachers, so much,
that the columns of newspapers were full of this unedifying
discussion, which, however, all tended towards the progress
of liberal thought. We find a package of letters which Mr.
Lowe has taken pains to preserve, because they were grate-
ful to him as personal testimonials of approval of his course,
and also helped him to decide about the call to Cambridge.
It is pleasant to see here, what we already knew, that the
men who most condemned the policy of the American Unita-
rian Association seem to have lost no whit of their friendship
for him ; although he repeatedly assured them that he should
take all the odium on his shoulders, and not have it thrown
upon the executive committee alone. A venerable man says,
' ' I must express my high ^appreciation of your services as
secretary of the American Unitarian Association, and the
integrity with which you have discharged its arduous duties.
There are principles in your policy which I cannot now
accept ; but I admire personal faithfulness more than I dis-
liked the principle, thoroughly as I disliked it."
Another somewhat conservative man writes of Mr. Lowe's
article on the policy of the American Unitarian Association :
" I cannot deny myself the pleasure of saying how much it
pleases me. The spirit of liberty it breathes, its fearlessness,
its elevation, its wide and generous comprehensiveness, and
its tenderness of regard for others, win my warm admiration."
We find the actual call from Cambridge filed with some
letters of Dr. Walker, who was chairman of the committee.
Dr. Walker was a very cautions man, and so was Mr. Lowe.
Mr. Lowe never wished to encourage a society to give him a
public call. In this matter, too, his mind was by no means
made up to say whether he would accept, or not, in case he
received a call. But he believed that the only proper thing
for a society to do was, if it unanimously agreed upon want-
ing a man, to give him an official call, which might be kept
asprivate as they chose between the parties. A minister was
440 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
in no condition to say whether he would accept, or not, until
he knew the nature of his call, and its certainty : otherwise
he was put in an embarrassing position. He knew of many
instances where parishes confer informally with a man,
assuring him that they can get a call for him ; and after he
has had the trouble of considering the whole matter, and
perhaps about made up his mind to accept, and the public
get hold of it, he hears that prominent persons in the parish
are negotiating with another man.
Mr. Lowe always maintained the rights and dignity of
pastors with parishes, and regretted to see ministers lose
their self-respect before the community. Dr. Walker was
very much in earnest about this call. He writes that they
are going to call a meeting to consider it. Mr. Lowe advises
against it, as it may commit him and them. Dr. W
writes that it is too late : the meeting is already called, but
will, very likely, end in nothing. Mr. Lowe writes that the
chances are so small of his accepting a call, that he is un-
willing to give the smallest encouragement. If, in face of
all this, they should persist in giving him a call, he should
give it a respectful consideration. Dr. Walker then writes
that the meeting was one of perfect unanimity : the commit-
tee would communicate to him their vote, and Mr. Lowe
could be as long as he chose in deciding. Now the letters
came in from all quarters, as soon as the call was known ;
although Mr. Lowe had no intention of making the matter
public. Dr. Bellows, whom he had consulted, writes, " I
cannot think any pulpit so important as your present throne
of power and influence. You were never valued in this place
so much, nor was it ever in need of a strong, wise man so
much, as now. It will be attacked, and it must be defended.
You have a noble courage, can endure hardness, and bear
responsibility. Who that is eligible for the place has the
qualities for it? Not one. Pray come up [to Walpole] this
week, when I am wholly alone, and spend two or three daj-s
with me in talking over matters."
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 441
Mr. G. O. Shattuck writes, " I am very sorry to hear that
you are even considering the question of resigning your
office of the American Unitarian Association. I consider
your connection with it as of vital importance. It is now a
critical period. Parties are trying to marshal their forces
for a fight. In my judgment, it ought to be avoided. I can
think of no one who can, as well as you, save the Associa-
tion and the denomination from controversy. When speak-
ing of the Association, and anybody makes objections on
theological or other grounds, I avoid all discussion, and
simply say that Mr. Lowe has charge ; he is the responsible
head ; ' Can you do better than to put money into his hands ? '
Nobody has ever attempted to reply. I am sure that your
resignation will cause a reduction in the contribution to the
funds. . . . Let me also say, that I shall personally feel
that I have lost much if I have to give up the friendly rela-
tions into which we are brought by the Association." Our
young ministers, though differing sometimes from him, felt
in the same way. Mr. C. Gr. Ames, in speaking of his let-
ters, which were rarely ever what would be called letters of
friendship, so engrossing were his business relations, says,
" But they were all love-letters," he made the work such a
personal thing between him and the writer. In another
letter Mr. Ames says, " He signed my commission to Cali-
fornia ; and his official letters thereafter were not only alive
with suggestions of spiritual enterprise, they were also mis-
sives of brotherly sympathy and appreciation. His religion
was not put on as a strait-jacket : it was his very Zi/e, not
impairing but completing his humanity." Rev. E. E. Hale
writes, "I cannot help thinking, with many others, that
you will not consider the new call so important as the old.
... In case of any possible conflict, your name alone
will fight half the battle." Dr. Hosmer writes, "I hope
you will not resign your present office. I know its great
difficulties. You have surmounted them grandly ; and now
you are in the centre of the position, and master of it. ...
442 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
You can act freely ; and we shall all be sure that what you
do is right, and laugh down whatever opposes. You have
earned the right to do about as you please, and not be
troubled with extremists on the one hand or other. ' ' Judge
Chapin writes, "I don't know what we shall do without
you if you go, although I suppose some man will be raised
up if there is no other way." Hon. H. P. Kidder says,
" It will be a great misfortune to the American Unitarian
Association to have you leave at this time." Dr. Osgood
and Dr. Thompson close this file of letters. They seem to be
the only ones who want him to go to Cambridge. Dr. Os-
good thinks it a good chance for him to change his " present
perplexing post; " and yet he says, " If I were, as of old,
in the Unitarian denomination, I would hold on to you to the
last. ... It seems to me that you took the only possible
course in May to keep the old denomination together." Dr.
Thompson wants Mr. Lowe to go to Cambridge because he
likes him, and takes dark views of the Association. He
thinks the American Unitarian Association will have a hard
time, at any rate, for a few years, and says, " You are the
last man I want to see sacrificed in its service." The good
doctor would lay his strokes upon the poor Association ;
although Mr. Lowe, in order to save its honest and devoted
head from all the blame, continually said to him, in the Louis
Fourteenth style, " I am the Association." The doctor would
not see in him the offender, and says, in reference to his own
past movements, " I hope nothing I have written has given
you pain, for I am at all times sincerely your friend."
The warfare keeps up in the papers, but it is pretty good-
natured. "The Register" says, Aug. 13, that "Mr.
has given hard blows to a man of straw of his own manu-
facture in ' The Monthly Journal,' but he hasn't harmed a
hair of Mr. Lowe's head." "The Liberal Christian" gets
taken to task by the right wing for not advocating an authori-
tative statement of faith more freely. It answers plainly,
that it does not believe in it, but is always willing to allow
THE POLICY OF THE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 443
free discussion in its columns. A "Layman" the next
week writes a spirited article denying the charge that Mr.
Lowe had changed the original policy of the American Uni-
tarian Association. "It has been rightly decided by our
denomination," he says, " and we might almost say the
Christian world, that it is no part of Christian wisdom or
policy to excommunicate those who wish to work with us.
. . . What would have become of the early Christian church
if a 'line' had been drawn in it? There would have been
little left, we imagine, but the 'line.' Could the apostles
themselves have stood up to a line?" News comes from
abroad, that the Emperor Napoleon is defeated, and the
Prussians are pressing on to Paris. "The Register" has
its comments ; but what impresses us now far more, is the
little paragraph from abroad, saying that the Dean of West-
minster had invited to the Holy Communion the "heretics
and schismatics who were unhappily included among the
Biblical Revisionists." " The London Church Times," from
which this is quoted, says "The Register" "took on" ter-
ribly in this matter. We see that the honored prelate in
England was trj-ing to do the same work as our modest sec-
retary of a little denomination. We were not alone in this
country. "The Independent" and other orthodox papers
were also taking broad ground in regard to the " Christian
name."
"The Register" in September has an article not in its
usual tone. We expect to see all kinds of discussion in its
columns, but this appears to be an editorial. We are afraid
the editor did not get his summer vacation ; or, most proba-
bly, he was off on it, and a " 'prentice hand " was at work,
which generally likes to draw a tight rein. The writer
seems to want to shut the door down on any progress of
thought. Mr. Lowe, he says, " talks about acting without
partiality for one side or another ; ' ' but the writer evidently
believes in some sides, and not in others. The "right
wing " is the side he likes : it is the old-fashioned Unitarian,
444 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
who can never change. He believes in him. But the " left
wing," that side is the Radical, who has " imported a foreign
element into Unitarianism." When Mr. Lowe talks about
impartialit}', the writer sa3's he means " that the money and
favors of the American Unitarian Association are given as
freely to those who criticise Christ and Christianity, as to
those who believe in Unitarianism as it was originally
taught." "The fathers of our faith," he says, "refused
to recognize what was afterwards known as ' rationalism '
or ' transcendentalism ' as any part of Unitarianism, or any
way related to it. ... Now, when such men as and
and and think the time has come for weed-
ing such ministers out of the denomination, for repudiating
such ' new policy,' ... by a strange use of terms, these
men are spoken of as 'factionists,' the disturbers of denomi-
national quiet, the advocates of new measures. The sum
of their sin consists in their efforts to commit the denomi-
nation to Christianity, and to slough off by a vital process
all who are unwilling to rally under a distinctively Christian
standard." . . .
This writer is, undoubtedly, sincere ; but we see in his
article the "new movement" unmasked. If we had any
doubts before, which we had not, we see now what was the
intention of the extremists. They meant, b} 1 a doctrinal
statement, no matter how simple, to cut off a large number of
ministers, who they knew would not sign it, from fellowship
with us. We find that the secretary had not exaggerated
the danger of this movement ; nor was he precipitate in tak-
ing the matter in hand, as he did at once. We must say, in
justification of highly valued men who joined in it, some of
whom have passed away, that they were not ready to push
the movement so far as this correspondent, and probably
would have drawn back from the logical outcome of such a
course, which they could not see at the time, the danger
of our cutting ourselves off from many of the most beloved
and revered men in our ranks. If we can conceive of the
THE POLICY OF TEE UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 445
situation, the secretary himself would have been out : the ex-
ecutive committee, hosts of j r oung and old men, and the
Association, would have been high and dry on the lonely
and impregnable rock of sound Unitarianism. Thank God,
this did not happen ! The battle was won, but we must
still heed the straggling shots before the grand muster of
forces at New York in the autumn. A modest writer in
this same number of "The Register" sa}'S he has received
a circular from Mr. Hepworth containing interrogatories, and
his recent article published in "The Religious Magazine."
A reply is expected. The writer says, " If Mr. Hepworth
wants any help in Christian work, such as our dear Saviour
demands as a test of discipleship, he shall have all that a
poor mortal can give. For paper statements of what we
believe, I care but little. We need greatly statements of
duty, and, better still, the spirit of Christ, without which
we are none of his. . . . Let us turn from useless contro-
versy concerning modes of faith, and be about our Father's
business. If the American Unitarian Association follow the
spirit of its excellent secretary, and send out faithful men
ready to do and suffer for Christian reform, as evinced in the
life of Jesus, souls will be saved, and the kingdom of heaven
advanced." We find this very circular. " The Register "
publishes it, simply saying, " Our own opinions on this point
have been already fully expressed." Many things in this
"Statement of Faith " are well expressed, but it is long;
and, in the interrogations to ministers, some questions are
noticeable, as this, for instance, among others: "Do you
believe that the present emergency can be better met than
by the formation of an association, to be called by some
such name as the 'Evangelical Unitarian Association'?"
etc. This shows us again the animus of the " new move-
ment."
" The Register," in spite of all this discussion, reminds
its readers of the November collection for the American
Unitarian Association, saying that the funds are exhausted.
416 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
The secretaries of the local conferences are called upon to
meet ; and ' ' The Register ' ' says this co-operation is very
important, although it is careful to state that this is a vol-
untary matter on the part of the churches. The temperance
question is not allowed to slumber among the Unitarians,
as we see from the various discussions and movements re-
corded in the paper : industrial movements are being started
by disinterested ladies, and the denomination was not for-
getting to act as well as talk.
CHAPTER XLI.
ROCKS AHEAD.
1870.
Criticisms. Dr. Clarke's Article. The New Movement Still.
Scattering Shots. Mr. Lowe's " Reply." National Con-
ference of 187O. Ninth Article. Premature Questions.
Dr. Bellows settles them. Mr. Hepworth's Resolution.
Conference Divided. Lively Talk. Amendments upon
Amendments. Dr. Bellows's Catholicity. Samuel J. May's
Speech. Good Feeling. New Meshes of Controversy.
Mr. Hepworth's Amendment to his Article. Mr. Calthrop's
Appeal for Unity. Vote Taken. Article Accepted. New
Sparks from the Ashes Put Out. Harmony. Saratoga
Named for Next Conference. Closing Speech of Judge
Chapin. Mr. Lowe's Content. Letter from Rev. E. E. Hale.
IN the month of September Mr. Lowe feels obliged to
make a short reply to criticisms on his address on the
policy of the American Unitarian Association, and requests
its publication in "The Monthly Religious Magazine."
"The Register" copies it. Mr. Lowe wishes simply to
remind his opponents of points of agreement rather than
disagreement, and of the distinct statement he made, that
the Association was ready at anytime to declare its disciple-
ship to Jesus Christ, etc., and its Christian basis; but they
would not define the test of discipleship. ... A gentleman
writes, "What brother Lowe proposes, we will vote for
heartily." "If that is the case, there is no difference
between us," says the secretary. "I am willing to bb
charged with fighting a man of straw, provided he no more
448 MEMOIB OF CHARLES LOWE.
shows his fists and voice : and we will do our best to turn
the thoughts of the denomination to work ; and I hope our
brethren, to whom I am sorry to be opposed, will not persist
in leading the discussion astray, or misunderstand our state-
ments, when we say we are contending for Christian liberty,
as though we were contending for liberty apart from Christi-
anity." Dr. James Freeman Clarke, whose head and heart
were perfectly sound and clear on this question, furnishes
another article on the subject, with his name signed in full,
as he had done before. We probably cannot estimate the
tonic and cheer it was to Mr. Lowe, to see these bold, decided
utterances from one of the first Christian leaders in our
church. Dr. Clarke's article is headed, "Running the
Gantlet." He speaks of the position of the Unitarian
denomination :
"It has to walk the gantlet between radicals and conservatives:
it cannot run, and so is hit by both as it passes. ... It is true,
this is an old story. We have long been accustomed to it. First
it was the orthodox who called us infidels, etc. We outlived that,
and were none the worse for it. Next came the radical charges.
We were accused of being narrow, bigoted, and cowardly. We
were narrow because we believed specially in Jesus Christ, . . . and
thought Christianity better than paganism, and preferred the New
Testament to the Vedas ; and we were cowardly because we would
not say Amen to every new criticism on the Bible. We have also
outlived these assaults. They seem to be nearly over. . . . Now
behold another party of accusers, our own right wing and left
wing. One charges it with believing too little, and the other too
much. But the good old Unitarian body stands firm." . . .
Dr. Clarke speaks of the "National Conference : "
" What did it do? This very thing in its preamble. It asserted
that the great majority who voted for it believed in Jesus Christ,
and took him for their Master. When they afterwards adopted
the Ninth Article, what did they mean? They meant, that if there
was a minority who were not willing to accept the precise terms of
the preamble, but who yet wished to be considered members of a
body calling itself Christian, they the majority did not wish
EOCKS AHEAD. 449
to exclude them. Some said the conference stultified itself in
this article. But the conference never said that its declaration of
faith included all. It only expressed the opinion of Unitarians
generally."
We notice Dr. Clarke says of the minority, that they were
not willing to accept the precise terms of the preamble.
Nobody, we believe, supposes that many of them, or even
any, wished to get rid of the name of Jesus Christ. If they
did, this article soon settled the matter of their connection
with us. They objected to the "precise terms" of the
article. Some liberal conservatives thought the conference
ought to alter them, for the sake of brotherly love. But the
Ninth Article had plainly shown that these brethren were
not bound by any of our expressions ; and the majority
wished so earnestly to have their stand-point Christian, and
show their loyalty to their Leader, Jesus Christ, that they
could not abandon this formula without seeming to retreat
from their ground. The harmonj^ of late years in our church
has shown that this was a wise solution of the difficulty.
But we anticipate. Dr. Clarke says,
" But some of our good brothers want us to begin ta define. It
cannot be done, brethren. We do not love creeds, but we love you.
If you wish us to repeat ever so often our declaration that we are
Christians, our discipleship to Jesus Christ, we will do it. If you
wish us to exclude any who do not agree to our statements, and yet
wish to work with us, we will not do that. Attractions, not state-
ments, indicate tendencies. ... If we are doing Christian work,
we shall not have to shut out those who are alien : we shall GROW
them out. If they stay in, it is because they feel at home among
Christians, showing that their spirit is a Christian spirit. . . .
There is an old rule, 'Judge the tree by its fruits.'. . . What is
the sin of Mr. Lowe and of the executive committee of the Ameri-
can Unitarian Association, which has brought upon them this
attack? In following that rule, they are, in my opinion, following
Christ."
"The Register " congratulates " all Unitarians in America
450 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
that Rev. Charles Lowe has decided to retain the office of
secretary of the American Unitarian Association." It pub-
lishes also the cordial resolution of the executive committee
of the American Unitarian Association, which speaks of Mr.
Lowe's "relinquishing a design which he is understood to
have cherished, and of this being a new proof of his devotion
to the interests of the Association and the denomination,"
etc.
It is true, that Mr. Lowe was strongly tempted to accept
this call to Cambridge ; but we must not attribute his refusal
of it to entirely disinterested motives in regard to the Asso-
ciation. Lie had enjoyed very much his work for the Ameri-
can Unitarian Association ; but he was tired, and beginning
to feel somewhat unstrung after all the excitement of the
spring meeting was over. He had suffered great anxiet} r ,
had gone through the crisis, seen the principles of truth
triumph ; and, although there was some friction and soreness
still among parties, he felt that the work was substantially
clone. The picture of a parish in so pleasant a place, dear
with the associations of college-days, was delightful to him.
He loved to preach, and could not bear the thought that he
was never to be the pastor of a people again. He said,
" That is a splendid field to work in at Cambridge. I feel
that I could do good there ; and how much we both should
enjoy it! " It was painful to be obliged to tell him that he
could not bear the strain of so large a parish, and that his
lungs would never permit regular preaching again. If he
should break down after a short experience, it would be a
sore trial to him. There was no escape from the social and
religious demands of such a place. It is true, he often
worked in the American Unitarian Association rooms until
six o'clock, and was there before his time in the morning.
But he was under no such obligations there. No one wished
him to work so. Considering his condition of health, it was
a providential place for him ; and, best of all, his colleagues
and the denomination all wanted him to stay in the Associa-
BOCKS AHEAD. 451
tion. So he decided to remain. The society at Cambridge
had been very liberal and thoughtful in the conditions which
they required of him. In his reply to the committee, he
says, " Let me thank the society, and you, gentlemen of the
committee, for the manner in which you have presented this
invitation. It will be always one of the most gratifying
recollections of my life, that you. should have deemed me
worthy of it."
It is pleasant to see, that, with all this war of words in
the papers, good works are going on : local conferences are
meeting, money is being raised, preachers are sent out, new
reforms are being started for women as well as men, and the
old ship sails on. " S. G. B." has an excellent word to
"Conservative Unitarians," Sept. 11. He begs his breth-
ren not to yield to those who say our aversion to creeds
is a prejudice ; our love of freedom, idolatry. " Shall we,"
he says, "give up our cherished principles to conciliate the
orthodox? I would conciliate them, as far as possible, by
candor in speaking of their doctrines, and courtesy of lan-
guage, and, above all, by imitating their good works. But
to win their favor by adopting a statement of faith ! Their
greetings would be like the crowned shadows of the under-
world to the fallen king of Babylon, ' Art thou become
like us?'"
It is well to quote these words for the hour in "The Re-
gister." They round out our biography. They show us that
our secretary was only the mouth-piece, or, we may add also,
the working-power of a great constituency of his church, and
also the world. Such is the unity of the human race, and
so at one are its highest convictions and aspirations. The
Universalists held their interesting centenary occasion in
October at Gloucester. Rev. E. E. Hale and Mr. Lowe, in
accordance with the vote at the last National Conference,
attended the meeting, and took part as delegates of a com-
mittee of fellowship, appointed by the Unitarians, to offer
their friendly greetings. The address to the ministers and
452 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
laymen in behalf of the " new movement," " The Register "
tells us, has now been published in pamphlet form. It asks,
among other things, " that the Ninth Article of the confer-
ence shall be rescinded, and that everj" church belonging to
the conference be of unquestioned Christian character."
" The Register" sa}-s, in repty, that " this first request can-
not be granted, as the Ninth Article was carried by a vote
of 326 to 12 ; and, as far as the last clause is concerned, we
are aware that the majorit}'of the religions people of America
look upon our churches as composed of heretics and infidels."
The address 'asks our journals to "step off the platform of
feeble neutrality, and become positive exponents of Christian
Unitariamsm." " The Register " declares that it has always
taken this position, and does not know what to step off of.
The circular asks for "protection against sceptical and im-
moral teachers drifting to us from all the sects." Of nearly
four hundred Unitarian ministers, "The Register" says, only
fifteen have permitted their names to be appended to this
address, and fifteen laymen. In " The Liberal Christian,"
a young and vigorous writer, leaning towards the radical side,
says, " I am sorry our friends persist in regarding the ' Free
Religious Association' as a Unitarian organization, and in
trying to show us that an ' Evangelical Unitarian Association '
would be in any sense its counterpart. The ' Free Religious
Association ' is as independent of the Unitarian body as the
American Peace Society." One of the venerable brethren
whom " The Register" "delights to honor," calls at the
office, and remarks, "The present condition of the Unitarian
denomination reminds me of a saying of Carlyle after he had
spent a pleasant day with some choice spirits of the literary
world : ' We agreed about every thing except opinions.' '
So genial and clear-sighted was the attitude of our ministers,
young and old, left and right, at this painful time. In read-
ing this " Address " as it stands in " The Register," we see
that it emanates from men who are much in earnest ; and
their statement of the danger of the age, in attempting to do
ROCKS AHEAD. 453
away with great Christian foundations, Mr. Lowe fully sym-
pathized with. Their great mistake was, in asserting that
the Unitarian leaders, or the denomination itself, had any
intention of abandoning the Christian rock on which it was
founded. They interpret the crude utterances of a few men
as the policy of the American Unitarian Association, in spite
of all the secretary's clear and distinct declarations to the
contrary, as is seen in the following clause of the address :
"A growing party among us, in league with a larger body
without, are trying to remove the Unitarian Christian Church
from its base on the rock of Christian faith, and make it a
free religious association." This might be exaggeration, or
it might be truth. Mr. Lowe felt these dangers ; he was not
napping ; but he did not consider that the Association
deserved to be whipped for them, neither did he think his
excellent friends were going to work in the right way to
avoid them. The secretary was not to be allowed to rest.
He is obliged to make another reply in "The Register," at
some length. He says he " shall avoid, as much as possible,
any thing personal or irritating, conscious, that, however
much we may differ on these points, we are all alike inter-
ested in the cause of Christian truth." He speaks of the
term creed as commonly understood, and saj's,
"If it were worth while, I could present proof enough to show
that such a creed was intended, previous to the meeting in May,
by some of our brethren, and that the arguments I then employed,
and the apprehensions I then expressed, were not out of place.
Our friends now deny that they ever wished to impose a creed
in the commonly received acceptance of that word. If this is
the case, we accept the assurance, glad and grateful that this
question, whether once real, or not, is now at an end. It shall not
be on our side that any agitation on this subject will be renewed.
Such a declaration of faith is a very difficult thing to secure, our
people are so accustomed to independent thinking. But supposing
it is secured, and our leaders are successful with their carefully
prepared statement, what then? They say now that it is to be
' no test of fellowship.' Persons may sign it, or not, and yet be
454 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
considered Unitarians. It is only, our friends now say, the ' expres-
sion of the majority.' Where does it differ, then, from the pream-
ble and Ninth Article of the National Conference ?
" How embarrassing an authoritative formula is to churches,
and has been from the beginning of Christendom, is seen in the
Church of England, where four thousand ministers have petitioned
the House of Bishops to have a compulsory reading done away ; and
in the orthodox church, and its struggles with the Westminster
Catechism. The Association now publishes six tracts, directly
explaining the Unitarian belief. They are written by different
men; and yet they are so nearly in accord, that it is curious to see
people hesitate as to which, on the whole, they shall prefer. I
refer to this to show, not only the substantial agreement which
exists on a definition of Unitarian doctrine, but also because the
hesitation reminds us what greater indecision there would be if
the tract assumed to be the statement for the denomination. In
regard to a 'test,' I admit that we make a belief in Christianity a
' test of fellowship.' No stretch of liberality will make me wish
to deny that a belief in Jesus Christ is the absolutely essential
qualification. But I will oppose, as a 'test,' any definition of
Christianity, any words about Christ, for Christ himself, as the
principles of our fellowship and union. . . . The tracts I named
are by Dr. Channing, Dr. Dewey, S. J. May, and others. I would
invite a consideration as to whether some of these tracts, at least,
might not, with almost as much propriety, be called a ' statement
of faith,' as one now likely to be made. . . . They have been
subjected to careful criticism. . . . Thousands of them have gone
out every year. . . . We have always answered to inquirers, that,
with a certain general agreement, there are diversities of belief
among us. ... In order to show that we have now no ' new
policy,' as is stated, we will add, that only a year ago, wish-
ing to have some more concise statement than any of our own
publications, we reprinted a short English tract, and posted it in
churches and vestries, after submitting it to a considerable num-
ber of ministers and laymen. . . .
"Our 'impartiality' never went outside the Christian basis.
. . . Some of those who had taken issue with the Association
have openly expressed their determination to prevent contribution
to its funds. It is, of course, probable that their efforts might be
successful. Last year one of our brethren felt obliged conscien-
BOCKS AHEAD. 455
tiously to dissuade his congregation from giving money in answer
to our appeal. In this case it happened to be because the Associa-
tion seemed to him too conservative in its opinions. Some persons
had intended to give liberally, he said, but were prevented by
his statement from doing so. AVe ventured to say then, and say
to these brethren now, that a given amount of eloquence will avail
much more in closing men's pockets than in opening them, and
that success in that direction would hardly be taken by us as an
argument against a policy which our deliberate judgment had
approved."
He does not like to charge his extreme conservative friends
with unfairness ; but it does seem to him, "that the}- have
perverted facts by a loose style of exaggeration about certain
evils connected with our denominational position, which has
led our enemies to rejoice, and saddened and disheartened
our friends." He does not say this "with bitterness, but
with regret." . . . He gets off some pretty good things, we
think, about the two wings of the denomination.
" It is a mistake to say that the so-called ' right wing ' at present
represents the Unitarian denomination in the beginning. If the
' right wing' means now the extreme conservatives of our body, such
men as Dr. Channing and Professor Norton were far removed from
it. Our older brethren must certainly remember the speculative
tendencies of such men as the elder Frothingham and Holley, who
yet hold honored places in the denomination. These names show
that a wide divergence of belief is by no means a new feature in
the character of our body. If our critics, instead of saying the
' right wing,' should say the present ' right centre,' represents the
early Unitarian position, he would probably be correct. But, in-
stead of dividing our denomination into two wings, I think it is
more fair to consider it chiefly a central body with two small
wings. I should not even call them ' wings,' for this implies that
they serve as the motive power ; whereas, all the energy and ac-
tivity of our denomination, as we all know, is in the main body,
and whatever of progress we enjoy is in spite of these appendages."
We have only quoted portions of this "reply" on the
"Unitarian position," which, as we have before indicated,
456 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
was published at the secretary's request in k 'The Monthly
Religious Magazine." He closes, as he is very apt to do,
with an illustration. Our fleet under Burnside, which en-
countered tempests in the open sea, is his figure.
"Some of the ships were separated, some were lost; and yet,
when they got into Hatteras again, though some were racked, and
others sound, they all had the same flag, and all held to the same
purpose, to save the nation. Our Unitarian fleet started at a
period of immense activity, when transcendentalism and material-
ism under various forms had blown their swift hurricanes, or rolled
their powerful current across the intellectual ocean of the half-
century. . . . Some of us may be so stanch and strong, that we
are just where we were at the start, and can claim to be ' old-fash-
ioned Unitarians.' I hope, however, not with a tone of dispar-
agement for those who have been affected more by the times, but
who yet carry, as truly as they, the flag and emblem of our union,
and as true a spirit for our common work. My illustration is im-
perfect, so far as it assumes that the type presented by the earlier
representatives is the permanent standard of attainment. Those
Christian men would have been the last to claim this, and would
probably have felt it to be an evidence of intellectual and spiritual
inactivity, if, after fifty years of great progress in science or reli-
gion, they were still just where they were in the beginning. I
have given a general reply to criticisms, rather than to answer
them in detail, from a desire to avoid all that would be personal or
irritating. I rely on the general fairness and intelligence of our
denomination, believing that it will consider all these questions
calmly, and free from passion. In its judgment I am willing to
confide."
"The Liberal Christian" has a lively article describing,
as "Zion's Herald" says, the "distressed condition of his
folks without a creed." The writer says, " If any one wants
to find out where we live, and what sort of people we are,
instead of putting up our large sign-board, with the words
' To the Unitarian Village,' and pointing to the turnpike
that leads our way, we now insist that each dweller in our
territory shall put up a little shingle to tell that he lives up
EOCKS AHEAD. 457
yonder. It is Bellows Path, Collyer Lane, Clarke Alley;
and the world begins to think there is no village, after all,
but only a few eccentric squatters, who are getting the ground
ready for permanent settlers by and by." " Old and New,"
in a leading article, says of the National Conference, which
was such a sore spot to a few excellent men, " It is a Chris-
tian body in its very name and acts. We have never seen a
deliberative body which so thoroughly understood itself, which
acted so promptly and so accurately on its convictions ; and
we can conceive of no enterprise so hopeless as any effort
to surprise it, or lead it away from these convictions." So
jocosely at times, and so earnestly, did these papers and pe-
riodicals stand up for Christian liberty. It is interesting to
see how the local conferences came up to the mark. Mr.
Lowe, on being called out at a meeting of the North Mid-
dlesex Conference, expresses his pleasure that " the laymen
are taking hold of the question ; ' ' and he also says he ' ' felt
indignant when any one said that the denomination did not
know what it was about when it adopted the Ninth Article
of the National Conference. \Ve believe in perfect liberty,"
he says, " and the Christian profession. The truth will win,
and we shall be judged by God alone." "The Register"
says of a recent published discussion, " Mr. Lowe, with his
exquisite self-control and perfect sweetness of temper, fur-
nishes nearly all the hone}- of this controversial compound."
"The Register" makes extracts from an address given by
the secretary before the Essex Conference. Mr. Lowe is
speaking of the last National Conference. He says,
"People talk about our having abandoned the principles and
ways of our fathers, and about the vagueness and uncertainty
of the Unitarian position. On the contrary, there seems to me
a wonderful similarity, and almost identity, as I compare one in-
dividual with another, not identity of opinions, any more than
there is an identity of flight or motion in the wild, free birds of the
wood or mountain, whose instincts, nevertheless, give such exact-
ness to their aim and expression, that all their freedom and all
458 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
their variety seem only to emphasize anew the peculiar character-
istics of their species. Although I, in common with the bulk of
the denomination, believe the attitude of the ' National Confer-
ence ' is clearly enough Christian, there are some who think other-
wise. They intend to bring this subject forward at the next
conference. Now, if, as Paul says, Charity is higher even than
Faith and Hope, then that spirit of tenderness and thoughtfulness
for each other's feelings, which made the great body of the mem-
bers of the National Conference who found no difficulty for them-
selves in the language of the preamble, and would have preferred
it as it stood vote so unanimously to modify it by the ' Ninth
Article,' in deference to a few who were troubled by the pre-
amble, this spirit, I say, gives a higher claim to the Christian
name, than any formal profession. If, now, therefore, this word-
ing of that ' Ninth Article ' has given a wrong impression to a
few, although the great body of the denomination are satisfied
with it, this body of men ought to show the same consideration
for these othei-s who dislike the ' Ninth Article ' as they showed
for those who required it. I will not submit any plan ; but let us
all agree on one thing, the true end sought, first, that there
shall be no doubt as to our Christian basis; and, second, that
there shall be no infringement of individual freedom. Let us,
then, ' yield, and concede, and try to suit each other to any ex-
tent.'"
" The Register" is now full of the coming National Con-
ference. It says, "The proceedings of the conference will
gain if the delegates will keep cool. No one need carry his
pistols." In speaking of the demand for a creed to help
on our frontier workers, it says, " Rev. Jasper L. Douthit's
work in Southern Illinois shows us what a brave soldier of
the cross can do without a campaign document or any thing
to support his back, even on the frontier." The hour for
the National Conference now arrives. It takes place in
New York, Oct. 18, at the end of this year, 1870. Dr. Bel-
lows, chairman of the council, gives a comprehensive mani-
festo. Mr. Lowe often spoke with great satisfaction of the
cordial manner in which Dr. Bellows entered into all his
plans for the American Unitarian Association work, and the
BOCKS AHEAD. 459
constancy of their friendship, uninterrupted by no differences
of opinion. Their methods of action might not be alike ;
but the young man admired the over-mastering religious
genius of the older, and the older esteemed the wise judg-
ment in the young head. Dr. Bellows's devotion to the
American Unitarian Association was unvarying ; and, on the
other hand, Mr. Lowe's enthusiasm for the National Con-
ference was unquenched by the clatter of creeds, or the
wet-blankets of negations presented there. It would be
impossible for us to attempt to give any considerable report
of the conference in this memoir, and it would be, perhaps,
out of place ; but we must touch upon it. After Dr. Bel-
lows's report, it was proposed to appoint a committee which
should report on the "preamble" question, and the "con-
stitution." This was voted clown, as the conference pre-
ferred to "manage its own affairs in broad daj-light."
Judge Chapin was put into the chair, and made a fine open-
ing speech. He told the conference that " the eyes of the
world were upon them. They must present their views as
honest men, freely, frankly, but with an abounding charity,
and then go away and do their work." The local confer-
ences made their reports. Dr. Bellows got up, and praised
them, and said, people "talked of our dying: we were
never so 'live' as now." We never, he said, when we
were supposed to be agreed in one set of views, had so little
real trouble as now. He knew it, because he was born in
the denomination. The talk next was to combine in some
way the machinery of the American Unitarian Association
and the National Conference. After a rather lengthy dis-
cussion among the ministers, the doctor (Bellows) got up,
and wisely waived the whole matter off, saying that they
were going on well, and it was a pity to disturb the relations
of the two bodies. He didn't care whether the conditions
were logical, or not, or even symmetrical in practical work.
. . " If we crack the egg," he said, " and look inside, and
disturb it when it is in a forming condition, we shall ruin
460 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
the prospect of a beautiful result." So that talk ended
under his courteous and j T et firm words. We may be pretty
sure that the majority of the conference felt in this way ; for
their spirit of independence, and his spirit of justice and
propriety, would not have allowed any fiat to have been
laid down upon them. Dr. Bellows always felt the pulse of
a meeting before he spoke, as Mr. Lowe did that of the
denomination before he acted. There was talk then about
theatre-meetings, fellowship with Universalists and other
churches, Bible in schools, etc. The second day was opened
with prayer by Dr. Clarke ; and then Rev. George H. Hep-
worth, with the assent of all parties, had the floor, to offer
a resolution of Rev. A. P. Putnam, altering somewhat the
constitution. He moved that Article Nine be abolished,
and that this be substituted: "Re-affirming our allegiance
to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to secure the largest
unity of the spirit, and the widest practical co-operation, we
invite to our fellowship all who profess and call themselves
Christians." This resolution Mr. Hepworth advocated in
the most earnest and affectionate manner. It was a con-
cession from the party he represented ; because heretofore
they had not wished to recognize, in their fellowship, Chris-
tians of a more radical stamp than themselves. Mr. Lowe
jumped up all aglow with delight at this concession, and
urged upon the conference its acceptance. He disagreed
with Brother Hepworth about the Ninth Article, because he
had alwaj-s looked upon that article with feelings of grati-
tude and pride. However unfortunate its phraseology might
be considered, its spirit showed that the conference was will-
ing to pass this article, out of deference to the wishes of some
in the denomination. He makes them laugh, he praises
this poor Ninth Article so, while he is so happy to have
it mended. He says, "This Ninth Article, if the other is
passed, is going to be made more glorious than before. Do
you know how much these (conservative) brethren have
yielded out of that same spirit of concession, in making this
ROCKS AHEAD. 461
in full of all demand? " He goes on then to say, that if the
conference will show the same spirit as these gentlemen, and
say, we are willing to do what they ask, however we may
feel about it ourselves, "! tell you," he says, ' k we can
go before the Christian world, and not one of us need be
ashamed. I declare that the original article never intended
to wipe out our allegiance to Jesus Christ. I would not, if
that were so, be a member for an hour of an organization
that so represented the Unitarianism of America. . . .
Some have wondered that I seemed so little disturbed about
this conference. They thought I was more sanguine than
I ought to be. But I have been so placed that I have had
better opportunities for observation than some. There has
been a great flutter of ' wings,' and the sound has some-
times been very loud ; but 1 have tried to keep my ear close
to a deeper sound, and I have always found it steady, calm,
and true." [Great applause, says the paper.] Rev. James
F. Clarke followed in the same strain, and his remarks were
also received with great applause. Then came the most
remarkable discussion that was ever held, we believe, in
any denomination. Not merely for ability, but for that
spirit of Christian love and toleration which made all mem-
bers of the conference desire earnestly to be fair towards
each other. It was a veritable outpouring of the Holy
Ghost. Every one spoke with a full heart. There was a
strange mingling of the pathetic and the laughable. One
brother would speak with profound and simple earnestness of
his own convictions and scruples ; and another would spring
up, and say that the conference had nothing to do with
a man's private conscience, but only with the voice of the
denomination on this question. One brother, Mr. J. May,
proposed an amendment to the resolution offered ; and, when
the conference proposed to vote on that amendment, a lay-
man declared that the original resolution should come first :
and the speakers are then for a while involved in the maze
of small discussion, as to what is parliamentary, and what
462 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
is not. By and by they come out of this, and take up the
real question again. The gist of it is, that some members
do not like the phrase "profess and call themselves Chris-
tians." It has a perfunctory sound: it may cover, too, an
insincerity, as if a man were only to call himself such, in
order to stay in his place. Moreover, if we must tell the
whole stoiy, there were one or two brethren who didn't
even like to say the} 7 were Christians. The conference knew
perfectly well that they were Christians, for it was familiar
with their lives and work. What was to be done? The
conference loved these brethren. It tried to convince them
that they were mistaken. It was determined, at any rate,
to make every side happy if it could, without any sacrifice
of principle, of its Christian basis. Rev. F. Frothingham
offered an amendment to the amendment offered by Rev.
Joseph May. Mr. May proposed simply this addition to
the Ninth Article: "Provided, that nothing in this article
be construed to remove the conference from a Christian
basis." Mr. Frothingham' s amendment was really a substi-
tute for the closing part of Mr. Hepworth's resolution.
Instead of " We invite those who profess and call themselves
Christians," it should be "All who would unite with Jesus
in building God's kingdom." The conference was ready
to vote on the second amendment offered to Mr. Hepworth's
resolution, which was this. It was, in fact, an amendment to
an amendment ; which was about as far, the president said,
as the thing could go. At this juncture Dr. Bellows steps
in, and arrests the movement for a while in a torrent of affec-
tion for both sides of the denomination. He will not give
up his allegiance to Jesus Christ as their Leader, nor their
Christian basis ; but he does love the radical brethren, who
see things sometimes differently from us. They have done
us good. He says, "I was brought up on a high and dry
Unitarianism, and plaguey little did I ever hear of an im-
mediate and informing spirit of God. I recollect when the
Holy Ghost was very gingerly mentioned in the Unitarian
ROCKS AHEAD. 463
body. There was a greater heresy in the body when I came
into it than now. I have come to feel Jesus, and yet my
liberty is not in the least impaired by New-Testament state-
ments." With this warm embrace to both sides, the doctor,
however, approves of the resolution offered by Messrs. Put-
nam and Hepworth. Rev. Robert Collyer approves also,
and asks the brethren if they will not " nicely, sweetly, and
kindly withdraw their amendments, and let the conference
by a unanimous vote accept the original resolution." Rev.
John Cordner speaks in favor of Mr. Hepworth's resolution.
After some discussion, Mr. Hepworth rose, and offered a
slight modification of his own resolution. Mr. May then
withdrew his amendment, and the conference accepted the
withdrawal. The conference then took a recess of a half an
hour. After prayer, in the afternoon, the venerable Samuel
J. May made a speech full of Christian faith and broad
fellowship. Mr. Spaulding spoke in favor of the much-
abused Ninth Article, which we really thought was in its
grave. He moved to accept Mr. May's amendment to it.
But Mr. J. May's, we remember, had just been withdrawn by
himself; and the conference accepted the withdrawal. Con-
ferences, we see, are not always logical, although they talk
much about parliamentary rules. A good many quiet law-
yers and judges who sat still must have smiled to themselves.
But never mind, as Mr. Collyer said in quoting Father Tay-
lor: "We may lose our nominative, but we are bound for
the kingdom of heaven." In short, the conference ap-
plauded now this last proposition. We must remember that
the conference had many different sides ; and the seeming
contradictory applause need not necessarily indicate that
the same parties were clapping both sides for the fun of it,
as boys do at a political meeting. Men's minds were, in
fact, in a molten condition. They were swaj'ed back and
forth with conflicting emotions. The only difference between
this audience and a political gathering a very wide one
was, that these men were not swayed with passion or
464 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE
part}- feeling, but with the intense desire to do the thing
that was right. So we may well affirm still that this was
a remarkable meeting. Dr. Eliot made next an interesting
speech, and was followed by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe. The
Ninth Article was brought up to the front again by the next
speakers, and patted and coaxed to make it appear just lib-
eral enough for themselves, or just Christian enough ; which
was not necessar}', as it had already showed itself a sensible
article that needed no apology. One gentleman remarked
in reply, as had been said before, that the conference did
not want persons to speak for themselves and their own pri-
vate convictions. The other gentleman answered, that, in
speaking for himself, he spoke for ten thousand faithful
hearts represented in fifty churches. So the ball kept good-
naturedly flying back and forth. Mr. Putnam spoke ear-
nestly for some Christian declaration ; Mr. Ames for entire
liberty. Mr. J. May had withdrawn his resolution in favor
of Mr. Frothinghain. Now Mr. Frothingham withdraws
his in favor of Mr. May. Everybody was so good, that he
wanted to give up to everybody else. As a break in this
brotherly love, when the " Ninth Article," with Mr. May's
amendment, was again put to vote, somebod}' brought up a
parliamentary difficulty about a "two-thirds vote," and
"stultification," etc. The conference, or a section of it,
fell upon this, until cries of "Question" brought it back.
The vote was at length taken. Now the trouble was, to
count heads. A great uncertainty about the votes, but all
meant honestly. They went over and over again with the
counting. The vote was at length in favor of Mr. May's
amendment.
Now some went right back to Mr. Hepworth, and said it
was not fair nor right to turn off his resolution in this way.
Others went back to the first conference of all, and raked up
that constitution. Mr. Chancy said, " The conference doesn't
seem to know that it has beaten. This is a complete vic-
tory. We have satisfied both conservatives and radicals."
EOCES AHEAD. 465
Mr. Hale proposed that the matter lie on the table until the
next da}', and that Mr. Frothingham and Mr. Hepworth be
a committee to report on the subject before the conference.
So ended that day of the conference.
The next day, after the singing of the hymn " Come Holy
Spirit," and prayer, the president opened the meeting with
a speech, showing a great desire to have justice done to all
parties. The floor was given to Mr. Hepworth. He made a
short speech, showing excellent feeling, and moved that the
Ninth Article be abolished, and the following article be substi-
tuted for it, which was an amendment of his first article ;
namely, " Re-affirming our allegiance to the gospel of Jesus
Christ, etc., we invite to our fellowship all who wish to be
his followers." This was not what he would have chosen,
it was a concession ; but he wanted the welfare of the whole.
He thought " the radicals and conservatives could both stand
on this platform, and do real good, hard, Christian work."
Rev. Mr. Calthrop seconded this motion, closing his earnest
speech with an appeal to his " dear friends, that the Spirit
of God that dwelt in Jesus, so that his face shone out with
the Father's Spirit, might enable them to pray, ' God,
may we be one, even as thou wert in him, and he in us and
thee ! ' " After short discussion and slight verbal alterations,
the article was accepted in place of the Ninth Article by a
vote of 266 ayes and 33 noes. So the article was adopted
amid loud applause. The secretary then read a cordial and
fraternal letter from the General Convention of Universal-
ists, in response to the greeting convej'ed to them two years
before from the Unitarian Conference, through Rev. E. E.
Hale and Rev. Charles Lowe. The debate now on the vexed
.question of the conference seemed at an end. There had
been fair play on all sides, patience, and Christian tolerance
and self-control. Some few might be discontented ; but the
large majority, composed of men on both sides, and the
middle of the religious house, had decided the matter. Could
not the conference now go to work ? Strange to say, after all
466 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
the storm and stress, and when the sky was clear, several
gentlemen were ready with statements of faith, or declara-
tions, which they wanted the conference to appoint a commit-
tee to report on at the next conference two years from that
time. The singular part is, that the tired debaters did not
say, as the sailor did to Father Taylor in the pulpit, " Belay
that!" No: whether it was courtesy, or whether it was
that the ministers' tongues were still whetted for talk, they
sprang into the arena, and got involved in new meshes of
polic} r , which they wanted to weave around the poor old
Association. Some wished to vote at once on these state-
ments. Knights handled their lances as softly as ever,
when, as happened before, Dr. Bellows steps on the scene,
and says, " I have no objection to these statements in them-
selves, but I am opposed to their being passed. Why should
we raise up a new question, to excite and disturb the feelings
of this conference, and give everybody an opportunity the
next two j-ears to raise an outcry in regard to the precipitate
action of this body ? . . . I call on the majority, in the inter-
est of peace, to resign this question, which will prove a bone
of contention ; to give it up as a sacrifice of feeling, out of
respect to those who have made such honorable concessions,
to bring back the harmony in which this conference is about
to part." Dr. Clarke agreed entirely with Dr. Bellows,
expressing at the same time his heart}" sympathy with the
statements. Mr. Lowe expressed himself also grateful for
this declaration of faith, but seconded the request that we
should be content with its being uttered, and put no vote on
record, which some might regret. Dr. Eliot rose to say that
these were his sentiments. Mr. Cordner, in deference to the
" expressed desire of brethren on both sides, whom he re-
spected and loved," withdrew his motion, and moved that the
statement be referred to a committee. A move was made to
enlarge the committee, and request it to deliberate ; and the
president good-naturedly remarked that the committee would
be prepared to receive all statements. Mr. Lowe offered a
KOCKS AHEAD. 467
resolution, expressing satisfaction at the friendly greeting
from the Universalist Convention, which was accepted. Pro-
fessor Everett then read a valuable report on the work of the
American Unitarian Association. Theological schools, An-
tioch College, Humboldt College, etc., were discussed ; and,
before closing the morning session, the president thanked the
delegates, one and all, for their kindness and forbearance
towards the chairman in the embarrassing duties of his posi-
tion. When they assembled, they were fearful lest the glo-
rious cause should suffer ; and many a foe looked eagerly
forward to a breaking-up of the Unitarian bod} T . Both were
disappointed. The storm had seemed to rage about the old
ship, but they knew her timbers were made of the soundest
and best material ; and now, at the close of this fourth con-
ference, she floated on the waves of truth and love more firm
and beautiful than ever, with her flag flying in the breeze,
inscribed thereon, in no dogmatic interest and spirit, the
words " Christian Liberty."
The conference met in the afternoon, and discussed various
questions. Bishop Brown (African) made a very interest-
ing address. He said he did not know which three gentle-
men to thank most, Mr. Lowe, or Mr. Hale, or Mr. Ware ;
and went on to tell how young, and even old, colored men
were getting hold of the little libraries sent by the American
Unitarian Association, and learning Latin and Greek, and
preparing to preach. The bishop paid warm tribute to Rev.
S. J. May and Dr. Clarke for their early service to the slave.
An, encouraging letter was sent from Dr. Hosmer of Antioch
College. Dr. Bellows then rose, and said " that it had been
suggested that the next meeting should be at Saratoga, the
object being to secure some great hotel at a moderate cost,
after the summer visitors had disappeared, where the whole
delegation could be under one roof, enjoy the full advantage
of daily intercourse with each other, and have a great social
time, as well as a great public time." This plan was re-
ceived with applause. "I simply want," he said, "the
468 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
acceptance of the suggestion, which I beg leave to say does
not come from me, but from a much more prudent and judi-
cious man, Mr. Lowe, from whom comes much that is best
in the propositions laid before this body." After proposing
a committee to take theatre-meetings in charge the following
year, the conference 'united in singing the doxology, "From
all that dwell below the skies," and closed its fourth session.
So ended this memorable gathering.
We have been led into giving a more connected report of
it than we intended. But this meeting, though composed of
a small body of Christians, we make bold to say, has a world-
wide importance. It discussed and settled questions which
are vexing to-day the whole of Christendom. All denomina-
tions must, we believe, in the end, come round to the wise
policy of that convention of Unitarian Christians in 1870.
Our secretary's life was, moreover, at this time, so bound up
with the denomination he loved, and he had given his whole
strength so to the cause of Christian truth and liberty in
the approaching crisis, that we cannot separate him from it.
We know how intently he must have followed the meeting
through. Although he spoke little, every word he said shows
that his joy was complete, in that spectacle of brotherty love,
unity, and Christian liberty.
The part that our secretary took in this conference, we
have said, was a modest one, rather as a listener than a
speaker ; but we have recently found a letter from his friend,
the Rev. E. E. Hale, which may be colored with the warm
tints of affection and imagination, but which we cannot
resist quoting from a little.
' ' I forget whether you were at our New-York conference
in 1870. I have never yet seen a tribute so majestic, given
to any living man, as he received from that immense assem-
bly. He had been for months the executive officer whose
every act was criticised by both parties, and both parties
were very much excited then. After months of controversy,
it happened that he came forward in the midst of that excited
ROCKS AHEAD. 469
debate which was letting off the pent-up animosities of years.
Each side instantly assumed him as the representative of the
honor and firmness which each side demanded. They wel-
comed him with round after round of tumultuous applause.
It was such a greeting as you give a triumphant general
after a victory ; but, in Charles's case, the victory was only
the keeping his own temper, and dealing even-handed justice
to all sorts and conditions of men."
CHAPTER XLII.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE.
1870-1871.
Good Cheer In "The Register." Mr. Lowe's Reports. Letter
from Layman. Address at Conference. Appeal to Women.
To Young Ministers. To Parishes. To the West. " Presi-
dent's Indian Movement." Mr. Lowe's Retirement from
American Unitarian Association. Forty-sixth Anniversary
of American Unitarian Association. Ladies on the Board.
Leave-taking. Kind Letters.
E EEGISTER" puts on the harness for work the
week after its full reports of the conference. It says,
" The temper of the body is now for practical work. Now
is the time to carry out the plans of Mr. Lowe, to secure the
funds necessary for a large building in Boston as headquar-
ters, and for various other objects. Let us put such a sum
into Mr. Lowe's hands, that he will not be obliged to limit
his work." Liberal responses begin to come in. The freed-
men's work goes on, as we see from a report of the Roxbury
Branch by Miss A. C. Lowell. The ministers and laymen
and women had gone home, all alive and stimulated with
new zeal to carry on good works in their own parishes, and
to help those who were longing to hear liberal preaching
through the aid of the Association. In spite of timid
croakers, we seemed to stand very well with the orthodox
after our "National Conference." "The Independent"
thinks " some of the addresses were more evangelical than
half one hears from straight Presb3'terian churches," and the
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 471
Methodists seem very cordial. "The Register" keeps rap-
ping for money, and says, " Mr. Lowe has to turn his back
on many an enterprise which is full of promise. Let us now
pull all together, and raise a hundred thousand dollars !
Some ministers and parishes," it says, "are so full of the
matter, that they took up generous collections the first Sun-
day afterthe conference." Our Free-Religious friends, far
from wishing to compromise us, as some advocates for a creed
had feared, were holding, through their own Association,
a convention at the West during this month, indicating the
same activity which was now in the air of the times. It is
pleasant to hear Mr. Sears, in "The Monthty Religious
Magazine," say, "God bless the conference, and bless the
brethren of all wings and centres, who have had grace given
them to achieve a result which we hope and believe will be
auspicious in its influence in all the liberal churches ! " Rev.
Rufus Ellis gave up his editorial assistance on this magazine,
and went abroad for his health, at this time. A writer in
" The Register," after speaking in a complimentary way of
the "Free-Religious Convention," says, "We must meet
the issues presented by our brothers, the Free-Religionists.
Christianity and culture must go together. Liberal Chris-
tianity, interpreted by Martineau and Hedge, Freeman Clarke
and Charles Lowe, can enter the arena with Free-Religion."
Mr. Lowe publishes this month an interesting letter from
India. "Old and New" continues to win praise from all
sides. A committee is chosen to raise money for the Na-
tional Church at Washington. In the midst of great things,
Mr. Lowe does not seem to forget little ones. lie says, in a
December notice, " I desire, at the request of Bishop Paine,
to collect a box of clothing for needy students of both sexes
in Wilberforce University. Any contributions will be thank-
fully received at the American Unitarian Association rooms,
42 Chauncy Street;" and signs his name. We have no
doubt the clothes came in from "the elect women not a
few." LV- Thomas Hill was giving at this time a course of
472 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
lectures on natural theology, and Dr. Furness's new book
on " Jesus " was commanding much attention. " The
Register" for Dec. 17 contains a long and handsome list of
contributions from parishes, which had responded promptly
in November, in accordance with the request of the Associa-
tion. " The Year-book of the denomination is now pub-
lished," saj 7 s " The Register," " and contains an- excellent
paper on the Unitarian position by Secretary Lowe, besides
valuable denominational statistics." Mr. Lowe puts in a
little notice asking ministers to see that it is brought to the
attention of their congregations, so necessary was it for
him to be continually prompting in these little things. He
had worked out these problems in his own mind ; so had
leading men in the denomination : he and they, moreover,
were perfectly satisfied with the results of the conference,
showing that the instinct of a number of men is wiser than
that of individuals ; but still, he was obliged to keep saying
these truths over and over again, with infinite patience,
shaping them a little differently perhaps, to suit the crotchets
of uneasy but sincere minds.
" The conference," he says, " was of great significance
and importance. There was an intensity of feeling on both
sides ; yet there prevailed, throughout, the utmost Christian
tenderness and fairness towards each other. This renewal
of mutual confidence," he says, " between the conservatives
and the radicals, was a more important result of the confer-
ence than the mere passage of a resolution." But he is
overjoyed with the " resolution," and he quotes it here ; and
we give it also, with his comments, because we are likely to
be confused with the memory of so man}- amendments, etc. :
his life also is historic as concerns the denomination, and the
settlement on this article seemed to him a satisfactory clos-
ing-up of an important period of our denominational life.
" Article IX. Re-affirming our allegiance to the gospel of Jesus
Christ, and desiring to secure the largest unity of the spirit, and
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 473
the widest practical co-operation, we invite to our fellowship all
who wish to be followers of Christ."
"In the Church of England, with its Thirty-nine Articles, there
are men in full ecclesiastical standing, who are, to say the least, as
widely apart as the extremes in the Unitarian body. In the
orthodox churches of America we do not hesitate to assert that
there are men occupying its pulpits, whose views not on the same
points, but on equally essential points are as much opposed to
each other as those of the different parties in the Unitarian ranks.
The American Unitarian Association publishes tracts and books
setting forth Unitarian doctrines prepared by different individuals,
and by their individual differences illustrating the freedom in
which we rejoice, and yet making more apparent, by these very
differences, the substantial unity of sentiment that prevails."
It is pleasant to see what encouragement he got, not only
from his brother ministers, but from influential laymen.
Here is a letter we find from a generous layman, which must
have gratified our secretary very much. The letter is ac-
companied with a present, delicately bestowed, in connection
with the subject of which he was speaking. We quote a few
words :
" Allow me to congratulate you on the results of the conference,
in which no person or party triumphed, or deserved to triumph,
except yourself. Please accept, as a token of my sincere regard,
the accompanying volume of Dean Stanley, which, in its broad and
Christian comprehension and sympathy, suggests a likeness to the
Christian (in all senses of the much-tortured word) spirit in which
our present problem has been met by you. I am more convinced
than ever of the thoroughly Christian character of the mode of
treatment that has been followed in the case [of the conference], and
of the necessity of the course pursued. ... If people do not like
our company or opinions, they may leave; but, from a general con-
ference of Unitarian churches, we have no right to exclude." . . .
We find very few sermons preserved this year, and Mr.
Lowe probably had no time nor occasion to write them.
He had a good many calls to take part in the ordination or
474 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
installation of ministers ; and these "charges and addresses
to the people," in some cases, are carefully written out, as
well as his addresses at conferences and ministerial unions,
theological schools, etc. But a great deal of his speaking at
conferences was extempore, or preserved only in the shape
of minutes, to aid his memory.
We see that his mind was still dwelling on this vexed
question of creeds since the conference, by some notes we
find headed " Creeds," which appear to be minutes of an
address. He quotes from the speech of the venerable Martin
Paschoud (with whom Athanase Coquerel fils was associ-
ated) when deserted by his colleagues after forty years of
ministry.
" I am accused of heresy. Thank God, I am a heretic! Yes!
Heretic from Calvin, heretic from Pius IX., heretic from the de-
crees of the Council of Trent, from the Declaration of the Synod
of Rochelle ! But heretic from the gospel ? Heretic from Jesus
Christ? Oh, no, no, no ! I am not. You are the heretics, you
disciples of Calvin, of any Pope whatever. Jesus Christ is not
your Master, he is mine! "
" Three centuries ago, when the Protestant church was founded,
everybody, the learned and ignorant, believed fully in the super-
natural. But it is not so to-day. Will one say that the love
of the good, the true, the divine, the love of humanity, the love of
Jesus, that type of the ideal man, can no longer exist in souls from
which science has banished the legends and the portents? Cannot
one love God with all his heart though he smile at Balaam's ass,
at Jonah's stay in the belly of the fish, or at the sun that stood
still for a whole day to prolong a scene of carnage? Cannot one
feel himself intimately united to Jesus? . . .
" Who are the most popular preachers of our day? Almost all
of them are as far as possible from being distinct and consistent
theologians. No matter what their denominational connection,
their creed, whatever it be, will rarely be inferred from any thing
they say. And, even if they do hold intellectually and ever so
strictly to a creed, somehow it is all nullified by a great over-
mastering instinct which makes them, in spite of their intellectual
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 475
belief, continally exalt the manifestation of the Christian spirit,
which all agree in above every thing else. It is not among us
alone that this antipathy to a creed exists. Among those churches
which have inherited a creed from an age gone by, there is a feel-
ing of uneasiness, such as we know little of. Cannot one make
the Gospels his supreme guide, and draw from them his nourish-
ment, and lead himself to live conformably to the precepts which
they give, and, at the same time, believe this collection of precious
books is a human collection, written by good men, but yet by men
who might share the errors of their time ? This is what the ortho-
dox church has not been willing to admit: all, or nothing, it has
said. You must believe exactly what the majority believe, or you
must leave the church. So they have left it, all those, in fact,
whose convictions will not permit them to agree to the superan-
nuated foundations of orthodoxy. Well, gentlemen, these are the
persons whom I address, these men who no longer attend the
church of their fathers, the church where they were baptized. It
is time that they consider their rights and their duties in this matter
of religion."
Here are minutes of an "address to the people," which
lie gave at some ordination. After talking about the wants
of the time, he speaks of honesty, and turns to women :
" Do you know that people charge a good deal of the dishonesty
of these days to you? It is not that you yourselves are guilty of
it. On the contrary, in nothing is the moral superiority of your
sex more apparent than in the delicate sensitiveness to the instinc-
tive desire for perfect exactness, and the fine perception of justice
and right. I heard a very shrewd observer, who had good oppor-
tunity to know, say, the other day, that those who deal in millinery
goods, and have business with women, who have establishments all
over the country, requiring such goods, state that there is no class
of traders in the community so sure and prompt in payment, and
so punctual in engagements ; and yet it is said that women are the
occasion of much of the prevalent dishonesty. It is because they
love extravagant expenditure, and men who try to please them are
tempted to wrong. Young women will not marry a man if he
cannot dress them well, and give them a fine house; and, when
they are married, they do not think of the husband's salary, and
476 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
judge what they can really afford. They consult their own desires,
and utter little regretful expressions if they cannot have what some
neighbor has, and look wistfully at some pretty ornament : and the
husband cannot say no, and is carried along by the example of
others; for, in all such ways, he is the weaker vessel, we may as
well confess it, he is led to do things which she, the wife, would
shudder at, what he could not look her in the face, and do.
"Women, it is for you, to an extent you do not realize, to put a stop
to this habit of dishonesty, to this sin in which you are thus indi-
rectly sharers, although you are yourselves so honorably exempt."
Here is something more in the same vein under the head-
" Habits. Do parents realize how they are giving them to chil-
dren? Dress. Nothing is more noticeable in contrasting New-
England social life with what it was fifty years ago, than the
dresses of children. In classes of life where there was simple
clothing, made attractive, not by expenditure, but by neatness
and taste, now there is such finery and extravagance as demands
serious heed. Do you think you can dress your children so much
like dolls, and make so much of their millinery, and have no effect
on their minds and hearts ? Do you think you can place so much
care on their adornment without their learning to believe dress
of supreme importance, without their becoming superficial and
affected, without their exalting essentials above what is genuine,
without being poisoned, on the one hand, by pride and vanity, or,
on the other, by heart-burning and envy which distinctions foster?
I turn from such pictures to simple scenes where children suitably
clad are sent out to roam and play, pick berries, and chase each
other in the fields, or climb the trees, and think of clothes only as
careful not to tear and soil them, and make their mothers work.
Do not say these are trifling subjects, unworthy the dignity of the
pulpit. I see in the sturdiness of ancient Rome, as contrasted
with the degeneracy of its luxurious decline, this item of dress and
habits connected with it to a great extent. I see, in many parallel
instances of history, proof that this matter of dress does enter
vitally as an element in the development of the character of a man
or woman. It is no little thing if the old stimulus of New-Eng-
land simplicity and manliness should be undermined by such friv-
olous tastes."
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 477
Here is a charge to a 3'oung minister which contains a good
deal of plain speaking on subjects which are in people's
minds now, perhaps, as much as then. He is talking about
those " young brothers," who fear to enter upon parish work,
lest they should be " trammelled by the traditional usages
and expected routine of the ministerial office as it exists."
When he talks with them, he finds their ideas good. They
are enthusiastic and conscientious, anxious to carry out the
spirit of Christ, but are afraid of the letter. Now, he says
he does not suppose there is any thing infallible in the
origin of our methods of worship ; but some religious usages
are necessary, some forms, for which men, habituated by
education and association, shall have a feeling of respect.
If so, ours are, on the whole, as good as any. He goes on,
"I do not see how they can become a hinderance to any man,
however earnest and free he may be. The form is simply the
skeleton, or framework, which he is to take, and fill in with the
living flesh and beauty and usefulness, the trellis about which
the rich vine of his active mission is to twine itself, and which it
may cover all over, and bury out of sight by its affluence of green.
What a variety there was in the methods and style of the old New-
England preachers, in spite of their general rules and observances!
As to the danger of insincerity in regard to assumed grounds of
belief, I think I know our people, and am often surprised to see
how tolerant they are in regard to what they do not agree with.
When they express dissatisfaction with a man, it is generally
because, for some reason, he has failed to get a hold on the confi-
dence or the affections of his people. If he has the true Christian
spirit, and fair powers in the pulpit, it is remarkable how much of
disagreement with his opinions our parishes will bear. I use the
word ' bear,' because I think the matter of freedom and privilege
belongs just as much to those who listen as to those who speak.
God forbid that I should encourage insincerity! but a great deal
of harm is saved by caution. When a young man's convictions
burn in his soul, let them be uttered, but let him be sure they are
convictions, and not merely the results of the last critical study in
the theological school. There is no wrong in keeping such ques-
tionings to himself: it is no insincerity to wait when you have
478 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
nothing positive to say. To bring forward these processes of
thought is like the maker of your furniture, who should bring you
the chippings and sawdust of his workshop along with his best
article. You are not paralyzed for lack of earnest things to say.
There are things enough to preach, about which you have no doubt
at all, the Fatherhood of God, the liability to sin, the capacity
for good, the power of love to reclaim the erring, to save the lost.
The reality of these very things may help you work out the ques-
tionings of your mind. Pour yourselves out in these unalterable
convictions, branching into the endless avenues of private and
social life. The influences of our time are loosening fast enough
the chains of false belief; and it is the part of the Christian
teacher, while recognizing freedom and truth, to lead men to a
deeper faith."
We find two other " addresses to people," evidently writ-
ten expressly for the occasions, although they are short and
simple. One is at the ordination of a young man whom he
had induced to enter the ministry. The young man after-
wards went to the war among the first volunteers in the ser-
vice of his country ; and Mr. Lowe tells the people, in a
familiar way, how, through all the young soldier's career in
camp and hospital, he had conducted himself as a Christian
minister should, and what sacrifices for others he had made,
and what hardships he had endured in all the horrors of the
enemy's prisons. This awakened the interest of the people
at once, we can see, and drew them to their young minister.
In another " address to people," at an ordination, he touches
on the practical question of the parishes working with their
pastor. We quote a little :
"If I were to attempt to specify, I should not illustrate by any
grand possibilities, much as I believe in them. But take any of
the minister's most simple and obvious duties. For instance, here
is this matter of pastoral visiting. It is so costly of time and
strength, that many a minister feels that it is impossible for him
to attend to it. ... But the neglect of this pastoral visiting has
in many a case resulted in the loss of that peculiar union between
pastor and people on which one of the best uses of the office de-
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 479
pends. Now, is it not clear, that in this you may all help him ?
What is the use and intention of pastoral visiting? It is not that
any special virtue goes out of the mere entrance of a minister into
your houses. It is plain that all this will be accomplished just as
well by your going to see him as by his going to see you. Then,
if you have social gatherings, and all go and meet him, you can do
much towards mutual acquaintance. When any thing occurs in
your experience or in your families of interest, if you would, with-
out waiting for him to find it out, assume that he is interested,
and go to him for sympathy, it would help towards this true rela-
tion between you. If, when he appoints a religious meeting of
any kind, you take some pains to attend, there is a fair way to
promote it. The minister would be exceptional if he did not feel
peculiarly drawn to those who always go to his meetings ; and your
faces there at such times will win his heart, and he yours, more
than any of his formal calls at your house."
Mr. Lowe does not intend, as we see, to excuse self-
indulgence on the part of pastors : he merely means to say
that these cordial relations are so absolutely important to
success, that, if a minister has not the time or strength to
make these visits, he and his people must provide some way
by which this intercourse can be maintained. Here are
some notes of speeches, which he appears to have had in his
mind for the West. He says,
" When asked for money to build churches, colleges, and schools,
the West replies, that she needs all her capital for developing the
resources of a new country; for bridges, railroads, agricultural
machines, elevators, etc. So it is: and she is right, if it is abso-
lutely essential that all these interests should be attended to and
perfected first; if it is true that this material prosperity is the first
and ultimate object of her care. If not, then she is making a
mistake ; and it will not be long before she will find out the evil
which she cannot repair.
" I turn by contrast to the founders of New England, who took
exactly the opposite course. They came to a country newer still,
had privations greater than any Western pioneer. The country
needed all their energies to make it yield a tolerable subsistence;
yet they, first of all, established a church and school, and have
480 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
perpetuated through generations this preference for these interests
over all material ones. Perhaps they might have had a more rapid
growth. But who that loves the best interests of the human race
would hesitate to say, that, from this course, came the glory of
New England?
" I tremble when I see the sons of these very men, inheriting
much of their excellence, going out from New-England homes, and
throwing themselves headlong into the intensity of life, and sacri-
ficing the habits of their early home, a legacy, like the loss of
forest-trees' growth, never repaired. They think that by and by
they will build churches, and go with their wives and children; but
by that time all their interest is gone. It will not come back.
Christ said, ' Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you. ' Seek these things
first, and the other can rarely be added afterwards."
He has some very practical hints here in the notes of a
conference speech in Massachusetts. He is speaking about
organization for Christian work, and how laymen and women
complain that they do not know how to set themselves about
it. He says it reminds him of composition- days at school,
how hard they used to work to get up a composition on
"Procrastination," or "Perseverance," until some wise
teacher said, " Write about what you have seen to-day or
yesterday." Now we, in our parishes, had not got out of
the composition period. We strain after too much. The
best wa} T is, not to think much about organization, but do
what needs to be done, without taking anybody's pro-
gramme. Consider the needs of your own locality. Find
somebody else interested. Get him to call a committee ;
make him responsible as chairman. He will call in others.
Your work is laid out. Everybody is fresh and ready for
it when summoned. The minister, of course, must work to
keep such an organization running. Discouragements will
come. Things won't go smooth. He will have to talk to
one, then another. Get people into the right places, finding
work for each one, not to relieve himself, but to enlarge
s work, and enable him to accomplish more. He marks
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 481
under these two words, accomplish more, so earnest was he
in working with others, and so much did he feel that here lay
the power of the pastor. We find some more notes, which
appear to have been spoken at a "Western conference, which
seem to hit the age as well now as then.
"What was Channing Unitarianism? Was it what Charming
believed when thirty years old, ' or at forty ? for he was growing
and changing, and would have kept on growing till he left us.
Channing was fixed, only in Ms fidelity to his convictions, and his
intense desire for truth. Of course, there is a great difference
between Unitarianism now and Unitarianism in the days of Chan-
ning or Priestley, etc. There is a difference between America to-
day and America in 1776. Yet it is the same country. Through
all its varying periods of honor and shame, it is the great nation
marching on her glorious career. So with Unitarianism. It has
had its different phases. Many things are connected with it which
we do not like, as well as many things of which we are proud ; but
its identity is not lost, and none of us doubt that its grand course
is that of pure and liberal Christian faith. We are no more going
to leave it because of some brother's heretical sermon, than to
quit America, or refuse to call ourselves American citizens, be-
cause of some presidential veto, or some iniquitous law.
" I am one of those who have been troubled by extravagant
radical developments : but I am not going to refuse fellowship on
any such ground as that, but will say to our extreme radical
brethren, ' We are going to fight you with all our might, and try
to refute and oppose your errors ; but we are going to love you all
the same, and no one is going to make us believe you may not
be as good and better Christians than we.' It is on the basis
of such principles, that we predict for Unitarianism a great future.
In this future, you, brethren of the West, have the largest part:
you are largely to conduct the destinies of our nation and the
thought and character of our age. Be true to your great oppor-
tunity. Lay your plans wisely; lay them large, proportioned to
the vastness of need, and let us of the American Unitarian Asso-
ciation share with you in your labors ; and may God's blessing be
upon them!"
In the month of February, 1871, several interesting move-
482 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
merits and events occurred. In accordance with the Indian
peace-policy inaugurated by President Grant, two gentle-
men were nominated by the Association (Mr. Trask and
Mr. Littlefield) as Indian agents, and were confirmed by the
Senate, and ready to enter on their duties. An efficient
and disinterested lady, Miss J. B. Smith, was sent as mis-
sionary to the colored people in Washington, D.C. A com-
mittee was appointed in Boston to confer with the committee
in Washington in regard to their new National Church. A
temperance movement was started at the rooms of the
Christian Union. Mr. Lowe acknowledges the receipt of
several barrels and packages of clothing for the freedmen
in Washington and the students in Wilberforce Univer-
sity. The venerable and honored Dr. Hill of Worcester
died this month. Dr. Gannett publishes a sermon on the
much agitated question of Unitarian belief, which seems
to have given great satisfaction. The month of March
goes by. "Close up," says "The Register," at the head
of an appeal to delinquent parishes and ministers, who
were letting the financial year come to an end without mak-
ing any missionar} 7 contribution to the American Unita-
rian Association. We find that the finance committee of
the Association at this time voted to raise their secretary's
salary to three thousand dollars. This took him by sur-
prise. Mr. Lowe, in a published letter, declines this offer
with profound gratitude, and says, " I do not pretend to be
indifferent to the value of the money ; but I feel so con-
stantly the need of more funds to enable the Association to
carry on its work, and I see so many good objects aban-
doned for lack of means, that, in view of all this, I could
not enjoy the added compensation. I can accept, however,
the assurances which your vote implies of your regard for
my services. This assurance is worth more to me than the
money itself, and will abide as a permanent source of satis-
faction."
The death of Rev. W. G. Scaodlen caused much sorrow
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 483
in the denomination this season, as his devoted service in
the late war had much endeared him to the people. Charles
Sumner's issue with Gen. Grant in regard to his "policy
of annexation" was exciting much attention. Mr. Lowe
was much gratified at the stand the President took in regard
to the Indian, in his plan for dividing the educational
and civilizing work among agents of the different religious
denominations, to be supported by the government. If this
plan did not greatly succeed, it was no fault of its concep-
tion, but the fault of those Indian rings and white marauders,
who baffled the President, and discouraged the missionaries.
Mr. Lowe publishes in the " Old and New " for April an
article on "The President's Indian Policy." He says, in
opening this paper, that "few persons seem to be aware
how persistently, and against serious obstacles, the President
has adhered to his purpose, and how great an era he has
opened for Christian thought and effort." Mr. Lowe calls
it "one of the eccentricities of popular thought and action,
that in an age not wanting in generous activity, among a
people who send ship-loads of provisions to starving Ire-
land and France, the claims of the Indian should be so per-
sistently and utterly ignored." . . . How much better Spain
of the sixteenth century treated these red men than America
of the seventeenth, when Charles the Fifth had them gath-
ered into villages, and instructed ! He speaks of the brutality
of our Indian wars, the cheap estimate of an Indian's life,
the popular cry that they are " rattlesnakes, reptiles to be
shot at when seen." So they talked about the Seminoles in
Florida forty years ago ; and yet these Indians were already
in villages, with farms and work-shops. ... He thinks no
small end would be gained by bringing the various sects of
Christians together in a common work. This subject is not
as new to us now as it was then. Mrs. Jackson and others
have exposed the injustice of our government, and the
atrocities committed. But none of these shortcomings in
the execution of the law can deprive President Grant of the
484 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
credit of having desired to carry out this plan, and we think
Mr. Lowe was not over-sanguine in hoping much from it.
We believe history will show that noble results came from
the combined work of the government and the churches of
the land, whatever may have been the indiscretion of a few
individuals here and there on both sides.
On April 20 "The Register" celebrates its fiftieth anni-
versary, and about a hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen
met to partake of the hospitality of the " Register Asso-
ciation." Mr. Lowe was unable to be present ; but he sends
a letter, in which he says, after speaking of his affection for
the " dear old ' Register,' " he wishes to leave aside personal
feeling, and speak as an officer of the American Unitarian
Association, and thank "The Register" for its steady,
effective, and earnest support. This support was worth more
because it had been no mere partisan adherence, nor occa-
sioned by any dependence. He believed "The Register"
had never asked nor received from the Association favors of
any kind. The Association had reason to be as grateful for
the candid and wholesome criticisms at some times, as for
the defence and appeals of "The Register" at other times.
He wishes it may enjoy many more such anniversaries.
We find a sermon re-written for a course at the South
Congregational Church, Rev. E. E. Hale's, and delivered
there in March by Mr. Lowe. After this we discover noth-
ing of his; and in "The Register" of April 29 we see it
announced, " with deep regret, that the Rev. Charles Lowe
is compelled, by the state of his health, to resign his office
as secretary of the American Unitarian Association. " " The
Register" says, " We have so often expressed our estimate
of his valuable services, that we will not repeat it. We feel
deeply the loss the denomination will meet with, and express
our earnest wishes that rest from official cares and duties
may restore his health, and that we may again in some way
have the benefit of his valuable labors."
Mr. Lowe, as we know, had been through a severe crisis
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 485
in the history of the denomination which he loved. His
anxiety in the spring of 1870 lest there should be a disas-
trous split in the denomination, had been allayed b} T the cor-
dial and unanimous approval with which his address on the
policy of the American Unitarian Association had been
received at the May anniversaries. This success lifted him
up for a time ; and then came the National Conference,
which roused up all the old trouble. The danger, however,
after an exciting debate, was again happily over ; and he
was buoyed up a while by his joy at this exhibition of Chris-
tian toleration and unity. Moreover, his temperament was
such, that he never felt fatigue at the time of any excite-
ment, but afterwards he had to pay dearly for it. His
strength gave way in the spring of this year, 1871 ; and such
was his exhaustion, that his friends felt that some decided
change was necessary in order to save his life. So he re-
signed his position with great regret, and yet with a feeling
of satisfaction that the prospects were not only peaceful,
but bright, for the future. The nominating committee in
May proposed to present the name of Rev. R. R. Shippen of
Worcester for secretary. Mr. Shippen' s genial and catholic
spirit, and great love for the denomination, made him a
valuable candidate for the office.
The anniversary time approaches. " The Liberal Chris-
tian" had now taken a new lease of life under the editorship
of Dr. Bellows. The nominations of the American Unita-
rian Association committee are published this week. Mr.
T. Gaffield is nominated treasurer in place of Mr. C. C.
Smith, who had resigned. Judge Chapin was nominated
president; and three ladies, among other directors, were
nominated, Mrs. F. T. Gray, Mrs. Samuel Cabot, and
Mrs. J. F. Clarke. In "The Register" for May 27 Mr.
Lowe publishes the forty-sixth annual report of the execu-
tive committee of the American Unitarian Association. The
editor draws attention to it, and says, " It is both varied
and comprehensive." It only wishes all this variety of
486 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
noble work touched upon there could have more money
to carry it on. We have seen through the year what that
work was, and how it was mapped out before the secre-
tary's eyes, and set on foot with what money he had. He
was going slowly and surely, "not beginning to build a
tower without counting the cost," putting the money where
it would tell, even if no more came ; ready at any moment
to enlarge these avenues of work as soon as the funds came
in. So he bade adieu to the Association with loving, per-
haps tearful, and yet hopeful, eyes.
June 3 we have the account of the forty-sixth anni-
versar} T in "The Register." Mr. Lowe speaks of the first
exchange of courtesies between the Unitarians in England
and America, which began with two letters which he received
from prominent Unitarian organizations in England, and
replied to, the first year of his secretaryship. He then in-
troduces the Rev. Henry Ireson as the representative, of the
British and Foreign Unitarian Association. Mr. Ireson
made an interesting and cordial speech. Questions now
came up in regard to changing the bj'-laws. Mr. Lowe was
nominated chairman of a committee for that purpose. We
have stated that three ladies were nominated on the board.
Some gentlemen were sensitive, and thought valuable men
were put off on the ladies' account. Other gentlemen pro-
posed that the matter of the ladie^ should be postponed ; as,
although they were undoubtedly useful in church- work, they
could aid in departments where they would be of far more
service than on the board. Mr. Lowe gets up, and asks to
have his name withdrawn as chairman. He will serve on the
committee, because it looks " as though this other matter
(of the women) were going to be put with the business;"
and he says, " I am so out and out in favor of the women,
that my great regret in leaving the board is, that I cannot
be with the new order of things that is to be instituted.
I should therefore rather not be placed as chairman on this
committee." Several gentlemen speak in the same way.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 487
Mr. Sargent, who had first started the movement, comes
squarely up to the issue, and asks "what masculine gifts
women are lacking in to exclude them from the board
another j-ear?" Some gentlemen, in the mean time, offer
a series of kind resolutions in regard to the loss of their
secretary, Mr. Lowe, on the board. These were accepted.
Then they began again upon this innovation. What a pros-
pect for the board to lose so many valuable men for these
ladies ! It was painful to think of, they thought. A young
minister got up, and dissolved this miasma of fears by a bold
speech. He believed " the real business efficiency of these
women, their well-known sagacity and wisdom, would en-
tirely compensate for what the board would lose. Men
never behaved or did so well as in the presence of women."
A great deal more talk from wise heads, when another young
man gets up, and moves that they stop talking their objec-
tions, and vote. Heavy arguments come now from the
board itself. This change will weaken the strength and
influence of the Association. Another young man rises, and
says, " A gentlemen has remarked that the business of this
Association ' is to get money and to spend money.' If so,
none are more successful in that business than the women.
Let us put them on the board:" So they voted. The result
was, that two ladies were elected. The third lady nominated
in the beginning, we presume had withdrawn her name.
Mr. Shippen was unanimously elected secretary. Mr. Lowe
took the occasion, while there was a lull in the talk, to
say a word before leaving the Association. He was not
fond of scenes or leave-takings. We see that his last report
went right on with the business, without making any allusion
to himself. But he did not like to seem too cold, and so
he says a few words, how he is grateful for the courtesy
that has been shown him all these years, and does not know
how to express his sense of this kindness and indulgence.
He continues, " I have had occasion often to say unwelcome
things, and it has been my fortune to differ in opinion with
488 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
many of my brethren on matters of exciting interest ; and
yet so uniform has been the generosity in every case, that
I am able now to say that I do not know an individual in
the whole denomination with whom I am on terms of other
than cordial and brotherly friendship." He goes on to
speak of his brother ministers, and pays a tribute to them
by saying, that in all these six years, seeing them in their
uncertainties, ambitions, and disappointments, he " is bound
to say that they have shown a fidelity, unselfish devotion,
and true earnestness, which give confidence in the future
of the denomination." With heart-felt thanks to them, to
the laj'men, and bis associates generally in his work, he
offers his prayers for the prosperity and unity of the " Uni-
tarian Association." This little speech, "The Register"
reports, was received with prolonged applause. A cordial
vote of thanks was offered also to Mr. C. C. Smith for his
faithful devotion as treasurer, and to Rev. L. J. Livermore
for his efficient aid as corresponding secretary.
Mr. Lowe makes a short speech at the Music-hall mission-
ary meeting. He says, "The age is becoming liberal, he
would almost say too fast. The great demand is, not to
stimulate the liberal tendency, but to rear up and strengthen
some new organization, which shall welcome those who are
leaving the old." In rendering an account of his stewardship,
he wishes them to understand, that, much as he has prized
aggressive work, he has felt it specially important to do all
in his power " to unify and strengthen, and give new ear-
nestness and compactness to, our denomination." We find
a printed address this year, cut from " The Somerville Jour-
nal," which was delivered before the High School Associa-
tion in Somerville. This Association was originally started
by a young graduate and parishioner, Mr. E. E. Edgerly,
whose phj-sical infirmities had given unusual precocity to his
intellect and moral nature. His nobleness of aim had left
a permanent mark upon the institution after his death ; and
Mr. Lowe alludes feelingly to him, and to the high example
which he placed before these graduates of the school.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 489
Among his letters we have a correspondence between him
and Mr. T. J. Mumford, editor of "The Register," which
touches us, now they are both gone. The letters are written
at the time of the anniversary of the paper. He tells Mr.
Mumford that he writes what he cannot say to his face, how
grateful he is for what Mr. Mumford has done for the paper,
and for his cordiality and kindness to him, together with his
brave, strong, and effective advocacy of the right cause. Mr.
Mumford writes back, that he rarely ever received a letter
which gave him so much pleasure. It is very gratifying to
have this approval of what he has done. He has enjoyed his
work intensely. What he has said publicly of Mr. Lowe
has been a small part of what he has felt, he says. He
thanks his friend for "the warmth and sweetness of the
personal friendship" with which he has long blessed him.
Judge Chapin writes in regard to his resignation, "I re-
ceived your note with unmitigated sadness." Dr. Stebbins
says, " I am sorry from my heart's core that you are going
to leave us." President Livermore of Meadville expresses
his earnest regret. Mr. Hunting says, "Lowe, we have
such respect and love for you, that we do not like to consent
to this change." Mr. W. Sawyer writes, " We of our faith
owe much to you. Our denomination, in my opinion and
that of many, would have gone to pieces had it not been for
your spirit and presence. I feel more than I dare write."
The devoted missionary, Dr. Wheeler, writes, " You will find
your reward in the good wishes of the whole denomination."
Another layman, Mr. F. Cutting, writes, " I am so sorry that
you are obliged to leave your work ! . . . But it is none of
it lost. It is in the keeping of Him who wastes nothing."
Mr. J. W. Chadwick says, " Your administration has been
a singular and growing success. Every year more of us have
recognized the generosity of your disposition and the large-
ness of your aims. Wherever you go, you will carry with
you our sympathy and love." Dr. Rufus Ellis writes, "I
am very sorry that you are not well, and that you are to be
490 MEMOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
pilot of the 'Unitarian Ship' no longer." Dr. A. P. Put-
nam says, "Be assured that there is but one sentiment in
all our hearts, in respect to your most valuable services to
our common cause." Rev. G. H. Hepworth writes, " There
have been times when you and I have not agreed, but you
have won the respect and love of all ; and, among those who
desire to be remembered by you with kindly feeling, I stand
foremost." Dr. Gannett, with his trembling hand, writes,
"God give you years of health and usefulness yet." Mr.
G. W. Fox, his faithful assistant secretary, says, "It is
not necessary for me to assure you of the pain it will be to
me personally, to lose the privilege of working with you : . . .
but I can part with you now with a very different feeling
from what I should have experienced a year ago ; for the
breakers we were then approaching have been, through your
skilful pilotage, safely passed, and we are now in smooth
water again." Mr. E. P. Whipple writes a note declining
apparent!}' an invitation to speak before a May meeting.
He sa3's, "You are the head and front, the pope in fact, of
all good Unitarians ; but the Calvinistic hell is purgatory,
compared with the task of facing your Unitarian ministers on
the day of their triumph. Let me say, as a personal friend,
that you have done your work with the tact that comes from
simplicity of purpose and the sagacity of ' the single eye.'
Having no selfish purpose whatever, you have won general
esteem by your perception of the fundamental fact that disa-
greement in points of doctrine can be reconciled with a per-
fect Christian spirit." A cordial note comes from his good
friend Rev. E. E. Hale. He sa} r s, "I received your note
with deep regret. You have made a wholly new post of the
office, a wholly new society of the Association. Your cour-
age and kindness united have made you the friend and favor-
ite of the men in the profession. Your far-sighted plans, and
your patience and prudence, have made you the successful
leader of the denomination. Perhaps no one knows as well
as I do what unremitting care, thought, and prayer this
AFTER THE CONFERENCE. 491
double success has cost you." . . . Rev. J. F. W. Ware
writes a characteristic letter, in its bluntness and heartiness.
He begins, " I can't say a word, Lowe ; and everybody will
be very sorry ; and, if you will kick up your heels in earnest,
it is the best thing you can do. I would fight you if you
were going to take a parish, but the word rest settles the
matter. You have earned it, and God bless it and you ! "
Dr. Bellows writes an affectionate letter, reminding him how
harmoniously they have always worked together with similar
views and purposes, and how much he himself will feel the
change. He writes also again in answer to some grateful
words which were written to him, saying of Mr. Lowe, " He
has not only reigned, but governed, and left his throne vol-
untarily, without a single enemy."
So the secretary's heart was cheered by these kind words
of his friends as he sat in his suburban home, and looked
back upon his work, or walked in his garden, and felt him-
self free to do whatsoever he would the next year of his life.
CHAPTER XLIII.
THE EX-SECRETARY.
1871-1873.
Explanations. Generous Gift. Death of Rev. Samuel J. May.
Death of Dr. Gannett. M. Coquerel's Visit. Voyage
Decided. On the Water. Havre. Paris. Nice. Rome.
Naples. Rome. Florence. Bologna. Verona. Venice.
Toulouse. Spain. Friends. Sight-seeing. Parting.
HIS official work had now ceased, but it was impossible
for him to be indifferent to the future of the Associa-
tion. One more explanation he has to make, which is pub-
lished in "The Register" and "Liberal Christian." It is
in regard to the office of corresponding secretarj-. What-
ever might be the present propriety of abolishing that office,
he did not like the supposed grounds on which some seemed
to think it was given up. He says, " The report intimates
that my ' feeble health ' made it necessary to employ a
corresponding secretary. I should be sorry to have this
abide as a permanent impression. . . . During all my term
of service, however imperfect the quality of what I have
done, I cannot reproach myself for the quantity." He goes
on to say that he does not speak of this from personal
motives alone, but for the sake of those who come after him.
He wishes now to answer criticisms, which are often made
upon the expenses of the Association and the percentage for
administering its affairs, as one would judge of an insurance
company, as though the duties of the office were simply to
administer funds. "The fact is," he says, "the position
THE EX- SECRET AEY. 493
of the American Unitarian Association makes its principal
office a centre of influence for the denomination." He wishes
the matter of their expenditures could be properly under-
stood. He alludes to Mr. Fox, who had the care of the
business-office, and pays him a just tribute for his faithful-
ness and diligence. The absolutely essential work of the
general secretary, he says, was comparatively small. All
the appropriations of money were decided by the executive
committee, and the money was paid by the treasurer. If
they left out of view the work offered to the secretary by
opportunities for general influence, one man of fair ability
could do it all, and carry on a parish besides ; or, on the
other hand, they might employ to good advantage two or
more of the best men they could find. In short, he gave the
public to understand that the work was what the secretary
chose to make it ; and he tells them as a proof, that, during
the last year, he had written eleven hundred letters on the
general interests of the Association. These were independ-
ent of all the necessary letters that came up every day. He
often said at home, " I make the work. I am throwing out
lines all the time." And when urged to leave the office
earlier in the afternoon, instead of staying until five or six
o'clock, he would answer, "No one expects me to stay so
long ; it is not in my contract : but I see things to be done,
and I cannot leave them." We all know how hard it is to
try to write and talk at the same time. Yet such was often
his position. His office was besieged : and all were men and
women whom he liked to see, whose interests he wanted to
know ; but life was not long enough. He was often warned
at home, that it would injure his mind to carry on this double
process ; and he would sometimes run off with his papers to
some hiding-place, which none but his secretary knew of.
He had been spending himself too fast ; and yet he turns
away from these personalities in closing this "explanation,"
by saying that he has published this in order that justice
may be done his associates and successors.
494 NEMOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
We could almost count our secretary's pulses by the anni-
versaries from j-ear to year. They came at a time when his
strength was at the lowest point. The early spring usually
brought on debility and coughing. He would enter upon the
meetings with enthusiasm each year, and hold out through
them from sheer force of will ; and, as soon as they were
over, he would start away to the Isles of Shoals or some other
bracing spot, to re-animate himself with the fresh air, and
get away from talking. This year his friends in the work
were awakened to his critical condition. They had been
desirous of increasing his salary for some time ; and, as he
had declined this additional sum during the past year, they
showed their generosity in another way. A number of friends
united in making him a present of a handsome sum of money,
with the hope that he would use it in going abroad. He
was generally somewhat sensitive about accepting favors,
a temper of mind partly inherited, and partly induced by
the training of his excellent father ; but somehow he never
manifested uneasiness about this present. He loved the
denomination, and felt that his motives had been clean. If
it took delight in seeing him have this gift from its repre-
sentative and generous friends, with whom he had been so
long and pleasantly associated, he could not have it in his
heart to say na} r . Neither he nor his partner had any special
longing for Europe. Both had been abroad once before.
But they felt that it was always pleasant to spend money in
the way the givers had intended, if possible. Might they
not also, if they remained at home, reflect painfully upon
themselves afterwards, if the invalid should succumb? They
talked it over, and it looked as though a kind Providence
was leading them to make the vo}"age.
"We must not quite let go the hand of our trusty guide,
"The Register," through the summer, to keep the links of
our narrative ; although we shall now probably find little
about our subject. "While we were enjoying our anniversa-
ries, and welcoming Mr. Ireson from England, our English
THE EX-SECRETARY. 495
friends were having a good time with our representative,
Rev. Robert Collyer. Losses came in July. The venerable
and beloved Rev. Samuel J. May departed, leaving a great
blank in the church and community. The committee for a
national church at Washington, of which committee Mr.
Lowe was a member, report favorably, and urge the project
upon the denomination.- An editorial says, "Mr. Lowe's
steadfast adherence to his university churches has given
distinguished success to his administration ; and we happen
to know that his active successor appreciates his view, and
believes in that line of effort." The late M. Athannse
Coquerel fils visited America in August, partly to see his
friends and the country, and especially to awaken an interest
in his church, and collect funds for its support. He spent
some days with Mr. Lowe, and was hospitably received
everywhere, making a fine impression with his genial spirit
and richly cultured mind. Mr. Lowe's decision by this
time seems to have been made ; as we find, in the report of
the executive committee, that he was invited to represent
the American Unitarian Association among the Unitarian
churches abroad. Another severe loss was experienced in
the sudden death of Rev. Dr. Gannett, one of the oldest
and noblest pioneers of our faith. His departure caused the
profoundest sorrow, and is fitly noticed at this board-meet-
ing and elsewhere.
The secretary did not quite put off business habits yet, as
we see from a letter of his in June to Dr. Morison, whom he
had asked to visit Humboldt College on his journey West,
and make a report. He writes, " I am glad that you can go
to Iowa. For myself, I have no doubt of Mr. Taft's thorough
integrity and good purpose. But he is sanguine (if he were
not, he would not be so good a man as he is to carry the
enterprise through) ; and some colder and less interested man
can judge better whether it is, on the whole, worth while for
Eastern men to plunge into it so deeply as to be committed
to its completion. If thirty thousand or fifty thousand dol-
496 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
lars will see the institution lairly going and equipped, it is
money well spent ; but, if this amount shall prove to be lost,
unless a hundred thousand or two hundred thousand dollars
be raised, and added to it, we had better be cautious. The
story of Antioch College is a constant warning to us."
Underneath he writes, " (Not sent; because I saw Dr.
Morison, and said it by word of mouth.)"
We find a few letters in reference to his going abroad.
Dr. Bellows writes, " I rejoice to know that you are to take
Mrs. Lowe and the children abroad. It is only a just expres-
sion of the respect and affection your services and character
have inspired, that you should receive (and let it be without
scruple) some furtherance on your journe}'. You have
worked long and successfully on a small salar}* ; and your
friends feel that you need, and richly deserve, this little trib-
ute of their interest in your body and spirit." In another
part of the letter the doctor's well-known hospitality comes
out. He says, " Will not you all come to my house on your
arrival in New York, and sail from here? It would be a
great satisfaction to see the last of you. Can I do any thing
to introduce you, who are already better known in England
than I am? " In his love for the old secretary, he does not
forget the new, but says, " Brother Shippen is working in a
fine spirit with marked energy. I find all my relations with
him most satisfactory." Robert Colly er writes, "Dear
Charles Lowe, I see you are going away ; and I cannot let
you go without this note bearing to you good wishes and
prayers that you may have ever so pleasant a time, and
gather all the strength you need. ... If there is any thing
I can do to make }*our sojourn more pleasant, pray let me
know ; and, if it is in my power, it shall be done. And so
God bless you, old fellow, and keep you ! " Hon. Charles G.
Loring writes him a kind note, full of information in regard
to climates, and conveniences in European cities ; and Dr.
Osgood tells him about valuable theologians and university
professors to meet abroad.
THE EX-SECEETAEY. 497
The little family set sail in the month of November in the
French steamer " Pereire " for Havre. The ship was large,
had the best of accommodations, an elegant table ; and the
voyage went well with him. He loved the sea : as we have
said before, the salt-water taste was born in him. He was
rarely ever seasick. His appetite was good ; and with his
close-fitting cap, and his big shawl or Arab bernouse, he moved
cheerily around, talking with the captain, the officers, and
the sailors quietly at the fitting moment, picking up knowl-
edge, waiting upon the seasick, and encouraging the down-
hearted. It was a pleasure to see his spirit so elastic : pity
he could not have gone on the whole year and a half in that
way. Who knows if he might not have staid longer this
side heaven? But no: these are only fancies, the sad
afterthoughts, which should not be fostered. The mind has
much to do with the body. He was expecting to see Eu-
ropean objects of beauty, and would have chafed to lose
them ; although sight-seeing is the most wearying of all occu-
pations to the patient. The voyage was very prosperous.
The old French town rose up quaintly on the shore, and star-
tled with its antiquity more than any English or Irish land-
ing could possibly do. The lodging was uncomfortable, and
he felt the re-action ; but he must go out before bed-time, and
show the children the animals in the zoological garden. The
next day he went to Rouen. The hotel there was excellent.
The children were happy with a big Persian cat, and the
parents with the beautiful church and the cathedral : although
they had seen the wonders of Spain and Italy, this town in
the north of France, coming upon them so soon after the
voyage, surprised them with its fascinating medievalism.
The next day to Paris. They were anxious to move on to
winter quarters before it grew colder. The raw air was be-
ginning to be a serious drawback. This journey to Paris
was a great exposure to a person with weak lungs. The ride
was long and cold ; and Paris was not inviting at that season,
the air being full of chilly fogs. A good French nursery-
498 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
governess was secured for the children, in order that the
invalid might be free from any demands upon him in the way
of shopping or diversion or sight-seeing. Her French wit,
efficiency, and fidelity carried the party often through many
little annoying details. After a glimpse at Paris, they went
on to Marseilles, and then to Nice, Nice, radiant with sun-
shine when you get into it, but so cold in the shadow. It
charmed them with its gayety and life. They intended to go
into a small pension. Had some good names down, but the
landlord of the Hotel de la Paix was not full. He wanted to
have them ; and he made his terms so satisfactory, that they
staid there through a good part of the winter. Every morn-
ing, after taking their eleven-o'clock breakfast, they started
to climb the hills among the lovely villas all around, perched
upon the heights, with the roses peeping out of the snow.
Snow was really there at intervals, and much cold ; so that
the open fireplace consumed piles of precious wood, and sent
its heat up the chimne} T . But the ocean was superb by the
Promenade des Anglais ; and all nationalities and fashions
met the eye, yet with no rude observation or criticism from
any. The soldiers' reveille wakened them in the morning ;
and the band on the square glorified the afternoon, while the
rich sun beamed on the Damascus-like shops. The ships-of-
war came in there ; and there was an admiral's ball, to which
the minister and his wife felt bound to go, and see the world.
Mr. Lowe writes a letter to " The Register" from Nice,
mostly on the subject of M. Athanase Coquerel's religious
society at Paris, and the Liberal Protestant. This is a
mournful theme now, since this distinguished man has been
called away ; but the needs of that church are just as great
to-day. He thinks it is a mistake to say that Americans do
not go to church in Paris, except to hear Roman-Catholic
music. All he met with went to the English or American
chapels. They were pretty liberal orthodox too. A South-
ern doctor of divinity preached a Calvinistic sermon, and
he heard an orthodox lady call it "old-fashioned." A
THE EX-SECEETAET. 499
young orthodox man said, " That sort of thing won't go
down." Mr. Lowe mentions these little facts, to show the
importance of placing our liberal preachers at intervals in
Paris, either in the late M. CoquereFs church or in their own
hall. Our best preachers were constantly going abroad, and
could do a fine work in this way among travellers without
great expense. We think Mr. Lowe would say the same
thing to-day if he were with us. The second letter seems
to be a good deal upon " weather," of which he had already
had enough at Paris. He " doesn't wish to croak," but he
thinks it his duty to warn invalids that it is not warm there.
He describes Marseilles with a more Tintoretto-like pen,
simply because it was warm there ; and he basked in its soft
air, and thought sight-seers did not sufficiently appreciate its
charms and extreme antiquity. We must confess at the out-
set, that the party made a good many mistakes. They did
not find them out until too late, as we do with our lives.
But this is a part of our pilgrimage. Nice was a lovely
place for a person a little debilitated, who had literary work,
a social circle, and only needed quiet and bright surround-
ings. But our traveller required either a perfect climate,
which could only be found, he said, in Egypt, where one was
willing to do nothing ; or else a place full of resources, like
Paris. Rome and Naples and Florence had charms enough,
but the galleries were damp and unwholesome in winter.
In Paris the great public buildings, cathedrals, and picture-
o-alleries were warmed. But these creature-comforts cannot
O
be learned from hearsay. It takes a personal experience to
find them out ; and no cautions of friends will stay the eager
traveller, who must live and learn.
But he was, after all, like other travellers, pleased with a
change, and was delighted to be on his way to Rome. The
drive in the open barouche was somewhat fatiguing for him,
especially as his coachman was disposed to be tricky, and he
never liked to be cheated ; but the riviera scenery along the
blue Mediterranean was a tonic : and he had a look at lovely
500 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
Mentone, Spezzia, Genoa, and Pisa, etc. The party, alas !
came into Rome in the steam-cars through a blinding rain,
straining their eyes to get a glimpse of the Eternal City.
They left shortly for Naples, where they found delightful
quarters in the Pension Anglo-Americaine on the famous
promenade, where, painful as the contrast was, they heard
the music, saw the great people drive by, and threw out of
the window the wholesome remains of their breakfast in the
mornings, when at any moment a dozen hungry creatures
would spring to clutch it, like hens from a barn-}*ard. Italy
was then only beginning to be rejuvenated. He notices the
bust of Cavour in the Campo Santo at Pisa, and has hope
for Italy : but he has some hard words for the Romans,
which we think really apply more to the Neapolitans ; and
we observe he wrote them in Naples. In his letter to " The
Register," he says,
" It seems as though there must be something in the air of this
country unfavorable to integrity. Virgil, in describing those
whom JEneas found here, speaks of ' the true Ligurian, born to
cheat.' And I believe they have had worthy successors in the
land ever since. When I was in Genoa, looking at the palaces,
one of them was pointed out as belonging to the family of ' Pelavi-
cius,' which means in English, ' Strip my neighbor! ' I have no
doubt it was a great family, and stood high. My idea is, that the
name would apply well enough to the great Roman race, and would
tell much truth in regard to the sources of their greatness. They
did not, to be sure, manifest this trait in precisely the way of their
modern representatives (in the matter of hotel-bills and the han-
dling of luggage), but on the grander scale of appropriating the
territory of all the possessions of any people who had what they
chanced to covet; and I do not see that it was any the less thiev-
ing, because it was on a scale that made history, and ended in
Rome being ' mistress of the world.'
" We have had, during our month in Rome, a great preponder-
ance of rain, interspersed with occasional superb days, which re-
vealed to us the glory of the region. But it is noticeable how
slowly the spring unfolds. Three days in New England will often
THE EX-SECRETAET. 501
make more change in vegetation than three weeks have done here.
It is as though nature had not had a sound winter's sleep, and was
unrefre'shed, so yawns and turns, and lingers and naps again.
Whereas, in our colder climate, with long mouths of perfect rest,
the moment she opens her eyes she is ready to spring up and begin
again her joyous activity. We leave for Florence this week.
" Very truly yours,
"CHARLES LOWE."
But he enjoys the lovely views, and all the historic associa-
tions in Naples, especially the view of Puteoli, where the
apostle Pauriauded. Here are a few items of Naples :
" Naples. Great intensity of manner everywhere, or animal
spirits you might call it: the boys and women, crying their things,
use twice as much voice as they need. Even the beggars work
harder than they would to saw wood, as for instance the small boy
who stood on his head so long for a copper. How pungent the cab-
men's voices are, though not loud! I find none of the European
quiescence here ; but, on the contrary, the air seems charged with
an electric fluid. I feel as in a kind of battery till I get indoors.
It is curious to see how many aquiline noses there are. I see them
everywhere, like the busts of the old Romans. . . . Saturday there
is to be an excursion to this spot, with a lunch, etc., in honor to
Gen. Sherman, who is expected.
" Thursday, Feb. 22. Went to San Martino. How much these
monks must have loved their home, away from wars and fightings!
And the paintings 1 One, of Jesus watching his dying father. I
have never seen it treated before. . . . Took a long omnibus-ride
for three cents. Took carriage, and all went to Posilippo and back
through the tunnel. . . . An omnibus can be full here. They seat
so many, and another person is not permitted to get in. Sunday,
25th. Mistook the hour for church. Was too late Wont into the
museum. Most impressed with Mercury in repose; bronze. Head
of Seneca; like Seward; bronze. Plato; bronze. Scipio Africa-
nus. Alexander on horseback.
" March 10. Rainy. Went to American chapel. Heard fine
sermon. Sorry we could not get in to St. Peter's. Great discus-
sion going on between Catholics and Protestants, about St. Peter's
ever having been in Rome. Papers full of it. Pope feels worsted
in the argument, and is sorry he got into it. March 12. In the
502 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
Assembly at Rome, news of the death of Mazzini was received witn
profound respect, and exclamations of ' Viva le re,' and ' Viva Gari-
baldi.' The people, without party distinctions, show their respect.
He will be mourned, they say, like Cavour. Our landlord says the
people are calm, and consider questions much more than the
French. . . . Went into Reinhart's studio He is modest and
genial. Saw his Latona. Bust of Juno also very fine. Fine
landscapes. Buchanan Read. The Pleiades. Whole conception
fine. Vatican Museum."
We find a gap in his letters here, which was made up by
his companion. The Naples sojourn was, on the whole, the
best life they had had so far. The weather was not perfect,
but there were many bright days ; and the museum of anti-
quities, with its long line of Roman busts, was an unfailing
resource. After a stay of six weeks the travellers went to
Rome again, stopping one night at Caserta. They occupied
a little stone cottage in Rome, outside the Pension Suez,
which was full, and had the small balconies all to themselves,
and only an old Scotchman within. It was romantic at
least. The} 7 had a rude fireplace, with bricks for andirons ;
and the only excitement was the drunken porter, who, in his
hilarity, assured them sometimes that robbers were all around.
They were not so much afraid of brigands as of Roman
fever. A child's sore-throat drove them into the large hotel,
where they had a carpeted room, but did not enjoy them-
selves half so much. The company was varied, refined, and
pleasant. . . . April 1, Villa Pamphili. Fine day. Beauti-
ful grounds, luxury of weather, and fine views. The first real
sense of physical enjoyment in soft Italian air, and works of
art and nature combined, except once on the Appian Way,
and the Campagna in view. . . . His old comrades had not
forgotten him at home, we see ; for here is a letter from his
friend Mr. Shippen, his successor in office, which we will
quote a little from, to show how they felt about him in the
American Unitarian Association rooms, and comprehended
the difficulties of the place.
THE EX-SECRETARY. 503
"Mr DEAR MR. LOWE, I never could shoot a bird on the wing.
At least, I always fancied it a hard thing to do, for I never tried;
which is also true in the present instance. . . . But surely an ex-
secretary of the American Unitarian Association can never exact
of any brother an apology for tardy correspondence. ' Dear
Charlie,' I want to say, as I fancy how like a boy you feel, or like
a colt at pasture kicking up heels, as freed from the harness of this
American Unitarian Association. Not to malign the dear and
noble institution that we honor and love, and rejoice to serve as
one of the highest privileges of life ; and not to misrepresent my
own ample satisfaction in the last year's experience, my dear
fellow, I never knew what a saint you were, and what a martyr
also. I have been looking at your blank-book, where you recorded
the times when you ought naturally to have flared up, broke
things, and lost your temper, but didn't, to the credit of your
Christian sweetness and magnanimity. . . . After my year in your
old seat, I devoutly thank Heaven for the rich privilege afforded
me. It has been a great relief from the wearing routine of ordi-
nary parochial life. . . . With all the drawbacks of inevitable
criticism and contradictory opinions and judgments of our work,
I find my brother ministers and the churches, on nearer acquaint-
ance, sustain the conviction with which I started, that they are a
right royal set. . . . Many and tender inquiries for you are repeat-
edly made. ... I trust you are better in health, and that you will
go from London to the Continent again, and have a month or two
in Switzerland, which seems the most glorious part of the Old
World to me."
The landlord of the pension positively worshipped Ameri-
cans without wishing to fleece them. lie hung around our
minister, told him his history, and wanted to go to America
with him. Such devoted friends among hotel-keepers and
waiters he had not a few of; because he was so willing to
hear their stories, and their mishaps, and their aspirations.
Every morning the father and mother sallied out for the
treasure-houses of Rome, and the children studied with their
bonne. The travellers liked the Roman people, and were
sorry to leave the palaces and gardens and art-studios. In
about four weeks they took their way to Florence, where, in
504 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
an American boarding-house, they could have, in home par-
lance, fish-balls and baked beans and brown-bread ; but they
sighed for the delicate French cuisine.
"Florence, Friday. Bad weather here. Got up deciding to
leave to-day, but have letters from our friend, Miss Lowell, to the
Misses H s, sisters of Lady Lyell. The day is pleasant, and we
have concluded to stay longer. Went to San Lorenzo to see the
Night and Morning of Michael Angelo. Left Florence for Bologna.
Enjoyed thoroughly Italian life and architecture there, the colon-
nades and warm air, and ancient buildings Verona Cathedral,
small, but more attractive than in Florence; harmonious and rich.
Old gate-way fine and interesting. Some of the church-spires very
unique. One looked like those in New England a hundred years
ago."
On from there to Venice, beautiful Venice, which seems to
have warmed the invalid's lungs as he sat in the sunny
square, and looked at the doves and the dome of St. Mark's,
or rowed on the water along the beautiful palaces, stopping
to look into many a church ; then to Milan, where, of course,
he visited the great cathedral. He took special pleasure in
his call on Professor Ferdinando Bracciforti, the disinterested
liberal Italian preacher, who, besides going on with his pro-
fessorship of languages, talks to the Italians every Sunday
about the simple gospel of Jesus. Mr. Lowe was charmed
with his interview, and wished more of our ministers might
visit this devoted man. Next they came to Turin, which
was about the middle of April. The air was delightful, and
they felt sorry to leave Italy. Then through Mont Cenis,
and across a strip of clean, bright Switzerland, into France ;
and we find a letter of his in " The Register " from Toulouse.
He passed through Toulouse on his way south, in which old
town he was much interested, as being the scene of the
painful story of the Protestant Jean Galas, narrated by M.
Coquerel. The travellers spent Sunday there, and went to
church.
THE EX-SECRETARY. 505
The travellers were bound for Spain, where a beloved
brother resided. Mr. Horatio J. Perry, former American
Secretary of Legation to Spain, was married to Carolina
Coronado, poetess-laureate of Spain. Mr. Lowe gives a few
touches in his journal of " The old town of ' Burgos, the city
of the Cid ; ' Avila, a picturesque old city ; snow-squalls ; peas-
ant and shepherds in leather buskins and tattered cloaks, yet
graceful ; no loud talking ; quiet and dignified ; granite rocks,
M thinks they have something to do with the character
of the people ; Escorial ; several pines appear in landscape ;
buildings bare and solemn as the black hills themselves."
It was a troublous time to be in that country. Don Carlos
and his party were at work, making raids everywhere. Once
or twice the railroads were torn up, so that they were delayed
some time ; but they reached Madrid in safety, and rapidly,
compared with the former journey that one of the party made
there many years before in the slow diligence, drawn often
by oxen and mules. But its picturesqueness then made up
for loss of time, and perhaps would have given a tonic to
our invalid's system : as it was, he was very much exhausted
by the long railroad-ride ; and nothing but the great satisfac-
tion of seeing a new brother and sister would have made
such a journey allowable for him in his state of health. The
travellers were received with the greatest hospitality, and
every thing was done in the beautiful "Quinta" (the old
country-house, formerly of Queen Christina) to make them
comfortable. The breakfasts in the garden in the month of
May, with the dainty cups of chocolate ; the drives on the
Prado with the ponies ; the hours in the superb galleries of
art; the privileged excursion into the " Casa del Campo,"
the wild park or hunting-ground of the queens, near Madrid,
and yet so inaccessible to the world, and so solitary, all
was delightful. These were days not to be forgotten. His
first letter from Spain we do not find ; but he appears, accord-
ing to his own report, to have occupied a good deal of it in
tefling about the bull-fight he attended. He is not so much
506 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
horrified at the so-called "blood-thirstiness" of the Spaniards
as one might suppose. He thinks the brutal emotions are
lost in the excitement of seeing a skilful matador handle the
bull. It is brutal and childish, this relic of mediaeval days,
with all its picturesque accompaniments ; but we remember
he asks if it is any more cruel or childish than a party of
Englishmen and dogs chasing a frightened hare all day long.
In his second letter he speaks of the unnatural position of
the Italian king, Amadeo ; describes a visit to the chamber
of deputies, and the interesting spectacle in the streets of
the "Dos de Mayo," when the Spaniards celebrate the day
they drove Napoleon out of Spain. He visits the Baptist
Mission, etc., and is much pleased with the managers of it ;
also the national library, where he was escorted round by the
venerable Hartzenbusch, the director, and the most distin-
guished dramatic poet of Spain, who brought out some
rare manuscripts. He wrote the prefaces to Carolina Coro-
nado's poems. Our secretary did not forget to order for the
library a set of the publications of the American Unitarian
Association.
Here are a few jottings from his journal :
" Church of Maria of the Atocra. Madonna looks like a dressed-
up doll. Superb jewels, etc. Great miracle-worker. Qxieen Isa-
bella was very superstitious about her. Two wooden life-size
statues of Jesus, bleeding and dying. Man kissing the feet,
abject creature. Bull-fight. Five thousand present. Counts' and
marquises' carriages in plenty. Few women present. . . . Ma-
drid gallery. Murillo's Conception. Young face full of surprise.
Velasquez Wonderful effects produced by coarse daubs of paint.
Ribera. Fine heads of old men. . . . Deputies. Castelar, like
Gov. Andrew. Rosas. Sagasta. Fine chamber. An exciting
debate. Marquis of Duero called at the country-house this P M. ;
is captain-general. He did a wonderfully brave thing at Barce-
lona, took the fortress alone. At the republican convention of
Catalonia, four persons were chosen honorary members, Victor
Hugo, Mazzini, Castelar, and Carolina Coronado.
" Sunday, May. Went to Mr. Knapp's Protestaut chapel. He
THE EX-SECEETAET. 507
has great zeal. Small audience. The children sang, ' Nearer, my
God, to thee,' etc. It was pleasant to hear it. He likes the people.
He is free from cant and narrowness. Says people at home may
criticise, but he is not strict about Sunday. He cannot change
their methods. Carolina tells a story to-day of hearing one of her
servants ask another if she had ever seen ' Liberty of Worship,'
phrase often used in political circles; and she, the girl, had accepted
it as meaning the institution, the thing. ' Yes,' said the other, ' I
have seen it. It was a long, bare place, with benches; no images,
no pictures.' She didn't like it. Carolina agrees with Mr. Knapp,
that, among a large and intelligent class, there is an utter neglect
of religion, but thinks not a lack of religious feeling. Sunday,
6th. Marquis of Duero came, and talked with H , before we
were up in the morning. Carolina's belief is not far from ours.
She distinctly repudiates the doctrine of transubstantiation She
is entirely free and broad. Spanish Catholics are mostly so, except
a few fanatics. H had only to repeat the Lord's Prayer and
the Apostles' Creed, in order to be admitted to worship with her.
. . . Saw, in the national library, missal, splendidly illuminated, of
Charles V. Last codicil of Isabella the Catholic. Her own signa-
ture just before her death. Library free."
The unsettled state of the country made it difficult to go
to other parts of Spain, and the visit was on this account
short. The travellers were sad to go away, knowing that
they might never see the beloved brother and Spanish sister
again. The Spanish relatives had learned very quickly to
love this new American brother with the springing step, the
svmpathetic eye, and yet feeble frame. Their southern in-
stincts saw through it all, how he was wearing himself out
for humanity ; and the sister begged him " not to go to Eng-
land, and make speeches," or back to the work-day life of
America, but to come again to Spain when the days grew
cold, and winter in their beautiful retreat. " Do not let
them kill Charles," she said. But he must go. Vacation-
hours would not always satisfy him, and so the parting came.
We find a few records by the way as connecting links :
"Biarritz. Grand hotel. The surf is magnificent here. Fine
508 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
walks and bathing-places. Spanish nobility come here. May 9
went in omnibus to Bayonne. Fine ride. Then to Bordeaux.
Women tend at railroad places. Bordeaux. Fine view of quay.
Whole aspect of city good. Left for Libourne. Libourne. Hotel
kept by mother and two daughters.
"Paris. Church of St. Roche. We are much pleased with the
cure. We go there every Sunday, before going to the Protestant
service at M. Coquerel's. The cure is a genial, quiet old man,
devoted to his church. With tact in making them give, and work.
No great preacher, but always sensible, and never tedious. One of
whom they must be fond, and with enough firmness and ability to
have every thing admirably managed. One day of Holy Week he
made an appeal for the charities of the church. He said in good-
humor, that he should have only one door left open, and all would
have to pass by him, and he should hold the bag. He gave to each
one a little picture if he wanted it. We have them now to remem-
ber him by. Easter Sunday at St. Roche. Splendid music. Went
to hear M. Bersier preach (Protestant). His oratory was very
fine."
The travellers staid a few days in Paris, and then went to
England for those very meetings of which the sister spoke.
It would have been well if he had obeyed her, perhaps ; but
he was the accredited representative of our church, and how
could he give up his responsibility ? We have our road ; and
it seems as though we must walk in it with due moderation,
even though it shortens our lives.
CHAPTER XLIV.
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT.
1872-1873.
Unitarian Meetings. -Mr. Conway's Service. -Bochedale Meet-
ings, etc. Holland. -Switzerland. Chernex. - Montreux.
Social Life. Schools. Religion. Departure. Paris.
Amiens. - Boulogne. - Folkestone. - Canterbury. - London. -
Speech at Dinner. Pare well Address at the Stamford-street
Meeting.
TT was a strange and delightful sensation to be on the soil
- of Old England, after a Continental stay of eight months,
and to hear one's own language in the streets. We find a
few records in his journal.
" London, May 22. Attended committee meeting of British
and Foreign Unitarian Association, arranging for meeting in Essex
Street. Discussed resolutions on education and parliamentary bill,
and also publications. Some division of feeling on this point be-
tween Conservatives and Liberals. I was cordially greeted, so was
also Mr. Cordner. 23d. I felt very poorly at the lungs I
knew I was to be called upon to respond to the welcome at the
meeting in P.M. Actually coughed a little blood. It was dis-
couraging. I was obliged to give up going to Mr. Bicknell's, who
had invited me to meet Coquerel and others at his house at Clap-
ham Common. M went. Thursday. Had accepted invitation
to preside at Sunday-school meeting. Distrusted myself. But,
after rest, I feel grateful to say that I got through it comfortably.
Met several ministers. Wish to remember them."
He enjoyed seeing the brethren, and the party was pleas-
antly lodged near the Strand. He was in a very exhausted
510 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
condition, partly from the fatigue of the journe} r , and partly
from the rough spring-fogs. He went into the morning
anniversary meeting of the English Unitarians, where he
was expected to make his first speech. He was so nervous
at the thought of it, that he had a slight coughing of blood,
as he tells us, before entering the church. He would not
desist, but made his speech, as he records, and said after-
wards, that he knew " he had done very poorl}-." He was
not able to go to the breakfast the next da}-. His friends
abroad did not, however, care so much about his speeches.
They wanted to know the man with whom they had been
corresponding so long. They expressed their surprise that
he looked so young ; thought of a venerable organizer and
secretary. The travellers received cordial invitations, many
of which were accepted ; and he began to recuperate. He
presided at the meeting of the Sunday-school Association, as
he says, for which he had given up the breakfast day be-
fore. He compliments them upon being so energetic as to
have the meeting so early in the morning, at half past eight
o'clock. He should expect they would be " healthy and
wealthy and wise." He said the meeting was very home-
like ; very like our anniversaries, except in one respect, and
that was, that we always had rain. There was no subject
in which he took more interest than the religious education
of the 3"oung ; and so he goes on to speak.
We find a letter written from London, at Whitsuntide, the
great spring festival of the English people. He enjoys see-
ing the poor people out breathing the country air, and de-
scribes all the various things going on among them. Down
at Portsmouth he heard a temperance lecturer talking to the
crowd in this style, he says, " with mighty lungs." " Ye
drinking Hinglishmun, I ham ashamed of you ! Hafter all the
hutterances to which you 'ave listened this hafternoon, your
'arts nought to be moved within you. You hought to join
hour harmy. You hought to resolve to see hif you cannot
spend Whit-Monday and Whit-Tuesday, and all the week,
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT. 5H
without resorting a single once to the devil's-broth." Whit-
Monday, he says, had twenty extra trains a day on some
roads. Boys and girls went hand in hand eating buns, and
opening their mouths in astonishment at London streets.
The country parson, with his drab wife, and five or six little
pale faces, was common everywhere. Westminster Abbey
was besieged. Hawthorne, he says, said he never saw a
populace until he went to Liverpool. Mr. Lowe describes
hearing M. Coquerel and Mr. Martineau preach at the anni-
versary meetings, all of which he enjoyed ; although he was
not able to take as much part in them as he had hoped.
We have another letter to "The Register," which is
mostly taken up with describing the service he attended in
Mr. Conway's church. It is interesting to see how he could
appreciate a type of religion so entirely different from his
own, and we therefore quote a portion of it.
" On Sunday we heard Mr. Conway again. . . . The congrega-
tion is peculiar. It is not the ordinary sleek-easy-go sort of folks
who gather themselves to the unusual in Sunday matters. . . .
There is character here, not all of the highest type, not over-
much that is sweet or enviable, but strong, determined, and full of
effort after the honest facts, if they can be found. . . . Radicalism
of Mr. Couway's type ought to be better tabernacled. There is no
reason why it should be cloaked in Puritan ugliness. . . . There
may be holiness here, but it is the stiff, stark-naked ugliness of it.
The pews are fit places for penance. Every thing is angular,
boxy, and void of grace. Everybody braces up, with the deter-
mination to make the best of it. There is as little quiet as beauty.
Mr. Conway hurries in like a man late to business. It is a bright
Sunday morning, however; and the sweet sunshine does contrive to
smuggle through the smoke-dimmed glass. At a quarter-past eleven
the most brilliant letter- writer of the age goes up the long flight of
stairs to the speaking-place. He is to speak upon ' the parting of
the ways,' as illustrated in the lives of John Sterling and Frederick
D. Maurice. But the old forms preliminary must needs perpetuate
themselves, even here. It is curious to notice how one thing grows
out of another. . . . Every thing new is but a fresh evolution out
512 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
of the old. So we have first an opening hymn, one of John Ster-
ling's own; then selections from Solomon's Proverbs; then sayings
of Buddha and Carlyle; after this, the adoration which takes the
place of prayer. . . . The profoundest silence falls; every sentence
stands out in distinctness; and each thought is clothed in beauty,
is more beautiful far than one often hears in the commonplaces of
prayer. Not every one will be able to enjoy so exalted, so imper-
sonal, an aspiration ; but, to those who are able, this rapt utterance
is a morning walk along the heights whose glory is the light of
the Spirit. Then another hymn and the sermon. It far surpassed
our anticipations, and we shall be glad to see it published."
About the middle of June the travellers started for Roche-
dale, to attend the Provincial Association meetings there.
They passed through Oxford, and were charmed with its
beautiful buildings, cool courts, gentle river, and scholastic
repose. The journey to Rochedale proved exceedinglj* fa-
tiguing, from the fact that the travellers did not take the
right train at the start, and were obliged to change, in that
short journey, over a dozen times. The energy which he
displayed for a person so feeble, we recall ; his promptness
in discovering the junctions, springing out, getting the lug-
gage hauled off, catching the connecting trains, etc. It was
too much fatigue, but he would let no one else do such
things for him. His executive ability was such, that those
who lived with him naturalby let him lead in such matters.
A courier was thought of at the beginning of the tour abroad,
but it was decided that the man would be a care rather than a
help to him ; and the faithful nursery governess really saved
him all the care that he was willing to depute to any one
else.
We have minutes of his speech at Rochedale, where he
was warmly received by the ministers and people. He has
a few items about the journey.
"Left London, June 17, for Oxford. Tuesday to Leamington.
Wednesday for Rochedale meetings in Blackwater-street chapel.
Mr. Gaskell president. Good discussion. Lunch. Tea in splen-
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT. 513
did Iron Hall, and speeches. Supper at Mr. H 's. Elegant and
social. Friday, dinner of ' Widows' Fund ' at the Willington
Hotel. Fine time. Speeches. Every thing about these meetings
showed strength and earnestness, and gave better impressions of
Unitarianism in England than I had expected."
He says in his speech, " We know what our weaknesses
are each side of the water, and what is their cure ; ' ' but he
did want to say a word about our faith in our own principles,
which would be equally applicable in both England and
America. After speaking of the fewness of our numbers,
and the need of standing together, he goes on to show how
the world is coming to us, and tells a good story of his own
experience to illustrate it. He says,
" I am reminded of an incident at one of our camp-meetings in
America. Every summer the Methodists in America select the
pleasantest country-groves, and great multitudes of families go out
to spend the week in tents and booths; and of course, for the
wants of such a gathering, there must be provisions of every sort,
with their tents and stands. I went once to one of these meetings
in a lonely spot, where the people had pitched their booths in a
very romantic portion of the place, at the foot of a wooded slope.
I noticed a refreshment dealer busily at work nailing up his rough
board structure high on the hill, quite away from where the mass
had settled ; and I asked him what he staid up there for, when all
the people were so far away. ' Oh! ' said he, as he kept on ham-
mering, 'all the folks are down there now; but, when evening
comes, the mosquitoes will be so thick in the low land, that they
will all have to move up here : and I shall have the best place in
the ground.' I wish our Unitarians would take some lessons from
that cake-man's faith, instead of looking down at the great num-
bers in other churches. If we have confidence in the truth of our
principles, let us work there where we have planted ourselves
until all the world comes to us."
The travellers went from Rochedale to York ; enjoyed the
old minster and the perfect quiet of the town ; then from
there to Scarborough, where they got the salt air, excellent
accommodations, and remained some days bathing and
514 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
walking, and survej'ing every day one of Cromwell's strong-
holds in the North. They returned through Lincoln, Peter-
borough, and Cambridge, roaming in the two old cathedrals,
and finding the same enjoyment in the beaut}' and repose of
Cambridge as at Oxford.
Here are a few items from his journal :
" Scarborough, through York, to Lincoln. White Hart at Lin-
coln. Clean streets. Unitarians at discount Sunday. 13 persons
in church. Gentleman tells me it costs something. He has lost
much business by being a Unitarian. Mayor of city once Unita-
rian, but, since he had office, goes to Established Church. When
their chapel was first built, they were assaulted with stones. At
such respectable country hotels as this, and at Scarborough, the
bar is kept by women, daughter of the house, perhaps. Of
course, she must see drunkenness often ; but perhaps she keeps
the coarser element away. This suggests topic for reflection.
Cathedral at Lincoln very accessible. Peterborough Cathedral.
Choir beautifully proportioned and richly decorated."
They went from England in midsummer to Rotterdam,
the Hague, and up the Rhine into Switzerland, which was
the goal of their journey. They enjoyed Holland very
much, contrary to their expectations. The cattle feeding on
the green meadows, the quaint houses, the neatness and
cordiality of the people, and especially the climate, pleased
them. The perfectly clear days in June, the mild, dry
air, the pure atmosphere, and the beautiful sunsets, all
reminded them of home, in the old town of Amsterdam.
They made short but delightful stays at Berne and Inter-
lachen, getting their first experience at Interlachen of a
French-Swiss pension, with its comfortable, homelike rooms,
perfect neatness, good table, pleasant company, and moder-
ate prices. The Jungfrau was before their eyes night and
morning, and a lovely wooded hill near by made a charm-
ing walk every day. The Casino, with its music and com-
pany and newspapers, was an attractive resort ; but they
were anxious to see some dear friends at Bex, who had
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT. 515
been absent from America five years, for the education of
their children in Germany. These friends were, for the
present, on a mountain-top, in the hamlet of Les Plans,
keeping house in picnic style, in a little cMlet, in the
midst of the shepherd boys and girls and the cows. Great
was the joy and excitement when the travellers arrived,
and all with tears and smiles talked over the events of the
past. Every thing in the little house was put at their dis-
posal. The friends made nothing of a ten-mile walk on the
mountain-top: the minister could not get to that, but he
was much braced by the fine air. When the time came to
leave, the whole family accompanied the departing friends
half-way down the mountain on foot. The leave-taking
must come ; and, as the friends followed the guests with
their eyes, the travellers saw the handkerchiefs go up to
their faces, and dropped some tears also. Well they might,
for these friends were never to see their pastor again
in this world. The little party, however, soon grew cheer-
ful ; and when they got down to the town of Bex, not
liking the aspect of the large hotels, they went on a voyage
of discovery, and found a delightful pension about a mile
from the town. There was only one drawback, the mos-
quitoes ; but the travellers were pretty well used to them at
home, in the neighborhood of Boston : and these troubles
were no offset to the magnificent Alpine scenery all around
them. On Sundays they went to the village church on foot,
and once during their journey in Switzerland heard the ven-
erable Bonar, poet and theologian, preach. The autumn
was drawing near ; and they were anxious to arrange for
winter quarters, having decided to remain abroad until the
spring. They had fixed upon the little . Swiss village of
Montreux, knowing that the climate was mild, the accom-
modations were good and reasonable, and the society of
strangers quiet and refined. They stopped at Vevay on their
way, and were almost inclined to remain there, so delightful
were the surroundings; but they were not quite ready to
516 MEMOIE OF CHAELES LOWE.
fix themselves anywhere until the winter months ; and they
went on to Montreux, where they were charmed with the
little community. It seemed more like a New-England vil-
lage of the best kind. The beautiful lake smiled upon them
all the day ; and the Dent-du-Midi, with its snowy summit,
rose up before their gaze. They were perplexed which to
choose from the multitude of pleasant pensions everywhere
in the village ; but they finally settled upon one, and en-
gaged rooms for the winter, but did not at once take pos-
O O ' *
session of them. They decided to pass the months of
September and October in the little hamlet of Chernex, on
the hill above Montreux. They found an excellent pension
there : and the view of the lake spread out at their feet was
marvellous in its beauty, especially at morning and evening,
when the distance between seemed to be shortened ; and the
effect was almost magical. The air was bracing, and some-
what like our own climate in the autumn. Mr. Lowe often
took a walk to the neighboring hamlet of Glyon, where was
also a good hotel. The grapes were ripening, and he
thought he would try the grape-cure thoroughly. So he went
into the vineyard every day, and bought for a few cents a
large plateful, and ate them in the morning. He found, to
his surprise, that they did not lessen his appetite, or weaken
him, as fruit generally did ; and he thrived from day to day,
improving in strength and animal spirits. Every Sunday
the little family, with their faithful French companion, went
down to the church at Montreux, and heard a good sermon,
and worshipped with the French Protestants. Mr. Lowe
was not fond of the Episcopal service as he saw it on the
Continent, thinking that he observed in the worshippers a
narrowness and formalism not so noticeable in England or
America. The French audiences, on the contraiy, were
generally simple and devout ; and, although the theology
was not always acceptable, it was illumined by a warmth on
the part of pastor and people which made the hour often one
of real Christian communion. His health improved so much,
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT. 517
that he began to long to get a nearer glimpse of the Alps ;
and the father and mother and oldest daughter, one autumn
day, took horses, and rode to Chamouni. The weather
proved bad ; the ride was fatiguing, and occupied nearly
two days ; but he was so exhilarated with the mountain air
and the magnificent views, that he seemed indifferent to any
hardships. Mont Blanc uncovered to their gaze ; and, after
a short stay at Chamouni, the party returned to Chernex by
Geneva.
The little place was varied occasionally by parties coming
for the day. Sometimes it was a lady principal of a school,
who would come with her }'oung ladies, and have a frolic
with them ; sometimes a party of Swiss politicians or
savans, who would get pretty merry over their wines at
dinner. The winter days were approaching, and the trav-
ellers began to need closer quarters ; and so they left their
mountain home, and went down to Montreux, and took
possession of their rooms. The rooms were small, but per-
fectly neat and cheerful. The little soap-stone stoves had
their mimic piles of wood cut as for a doll's playhouse. But
the occupants soon learned that they were not to be de-
spised. They found out how to fill the stoves full at
once, and let the wood burn down to a solid mass of red
coals, which would keep all day, and send*out a genial
heat quite unlike our air-tight sheet-iron stoves, or even fur-
naces. The towers of Chillon sat upon the water in view
from their window ; and the beautiful Dent-du-Midi smiled
serenely upon them, with its top crowned with snow, and
touched with a roseate light every morning when they arose.
There were pleasant persons in the pension from many
nations. French was the language spoken in common ; and
the children soon learned to talk, laugh, cry, and carry on
games with their companions, in French. There were excel-
lent advantages for education, as teachers could be called in
at any moment. A few Americans and English were in the
house ; but the father and mother sought the foreign society
518 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
on account of the language, and also to gain a larger expe-
rience. There were Dutch burgomasters and their wives,
Russians of the Greek Church, Roman Catholics, and Swiss
and French Protestants of the orthodox and liberal faith.
These latter, after the acquaintance ripened, were much
interested to know about Unitarianisni, and would draw the
minister and his wife into religious conversations, which
would have been very valuable from a linguistic and social
point of view, only the rest of the compan} r would some-
times begin to listen ; and it became somewhat embarrassing
to struggle with doctrinal questions through the medium of a
foreign language, so simple even as the French. The ortho-
dox would listen with grave faces to the minister's negations
in regard to the Deity of Christ, etc. ; and the liberal Swiss
were disappointed to find he was not ready to reject entirely
the supernatural in the New-Testament records. But the
former forced themselves affectionately to believe that their
new friends might be Christians in spite of their doctrines ;
and the liberal Christian discovered, what the Swiss liberals
have been slow to see, that one can belong to the liberal
church that is, be a liberal Christian without having any
cut-and-dried theories in regard to the miracles, or belong-
ing to any particular school of thought. Sometimes all
joined in a frolic. The Russians gave a national dance,
dressed in the beautiful ancient costumes of their country ;
and the Americans returned the compliment by appearing as
wild Indians, in which company our minister appeared, much
to his own amusement and that of his friends. A drive over
to Vevay, or a walk up to their old home at Chernex, varied
the week : and the little French church welcomed them on
Sunday, where the old-fashioned stove and pipes reminded
them of a country school-house ; and the men hung their
hats and coats on nails at the back of the church. This
was the jfiglise libre, free from state control, but not free
in doctrine. The state church was near the pension, and
more ancient and picturesque and broad perhaps ; but the
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT. 519
walls -were clamp, and the worshippers few and languid.
The minister preferred the living, though narrower, church.
The village doctor, a Frenchman, was an accomplished and
sagacious man; but, fortunately, no alarming illnesses re-
quired his services, although his advice was valuable. "We
find some records in a journal.
"Visited the 'College of Montreux' (school). Situation fine.
Cheerful rooms. Finish plain and cheap, but good enough. Our
buildings are unduly expensive at home. Girls and boys separate.
The director is one of the pastors. More teachers in proportion
to pupils than in Boston. Talked with the wife of a physician,
Madame C . She says old noble families still exist in Switzer-
land. Very exclusive. Will not even take professions. Take
service rather at other European courts. She says intemperance
prevails to a terrible extent among the lower classes. Not so
much among higher. But little family life among higher classes.
Men spend time at cafes ^ etc.
" German service every Wednesday morning at Montreux. I
have just found it out. Went to-day. Liked the preacher. Very
orthodox, but tolerant to others."
Mr. Lowe writes a letter, copied here, to Professor Viollier,
pastor of Geneva, and editor of the liberal paper there, re-
gretting not to see him in Geneva, and asking information
about theological schools. Also a letter to the Consistory
of Geneva, on behalf of the American Unitarian Association
at home, congratulating them on the triumph of liberal prin-
ciples in Church and State, and especially for the moderation
and Christian spirit the liberal majority have manifested.
He writes a letter from Montreux, describing in " The
Register" a liberal Christian organization at Berne, and the
old story of illiberality, as seen in the case of the expulsion
of Pastor Lang from the cathedral at Zurich. We remem-
ber the story, how the municipal authorities overruled the
action of the Consistory, and gave up the cathedral to the lib-
eral preacher ; how all this excitement strengthened the cause
of the liberals, and the church was thronged to hear Dr.
520 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
Lang preach. Mr. Lowe tells all about this, and how the
venerable Martin Paschoud was among the listeners, and
endeavors to awaken an interest for these fellow-Christians
in the American Unitarian Association. In his second let-
ter from Montreux, he speaks of the continuation of these
contentions between the orthodox and liberals, in regard to
a Sunday-school manual, all of which was interesting as
showing the signs of the times ; but it is not worth while to
quote it at this period. We may mention, as a result of
this intolerance, the present Lang foundation, a lecture-
system on a scientiflc and Christian basis, established, after
Dr. Lang's death, by the generosity of his friends and ad-
mirers.
Mr. Lowe's health began to fall off as the winter advanced.
The climate was mild ; many Russian and French families
had no fires in their rooms ; but the air was fogg}' from the
lake, and there was very little sun. He coughed at morning
and night, and lost his elasticity somewhat. Wishing to
divert his mind, he sent for a drawing-master, and occupied
himself for a few weeks with sketching, for which he had
considerable talent. It was, however, rather up-hill work
for him ; and it was almost touching to see the patience with
which he kept at his work those dark afternoons. As soon
as the early spring opened, by the first of March even, the
little family resolved to go to Paris. Their friends and fel-
low-boarders all discouraged the move ; it would be cold and
unpleasant : but, as Mr. Lowe was already losing ground,
he could not be any worse. Many were the leave-takings at
the doors of the little apartments, and the good wishes of
the household. As soon as he was on his way, his spirits
rose with the change ; and when they got into France, and
found the pastures beginning to be green, and the air of
Paris pleasant and mild, with the people sitting all day in
the grounds of the Tuileries, they felt that they had made no
mistake in leaving Montreux. Paris was raw and disagree-
able in November, and damp and rainy in May ; but this
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT. 521
early spring-time seemed to be every thing that one could
wish ; moreover, Paris, as we know, is full of resources.
The invalid's mind was constantly diverted. He did not
gain strength very fast, but his cheerfulness returned ; as,
without much effort, he could step into the warm galleries of
the Louvre, and study the pictures ; or look in at the church
of St. Roch, near by, and hear the music ; or take a carriage,
and explore the city. He met again M. Coquerel and
his family, M. Dide, his colleague, and M. Carineau, etc.,
heard Fontanes and Pressense' and Bersier preach, and
dined and teaed with American friends residing in Paris.
His French improved from the constant attendance on
French services. His German lost ground somewhat, as he
did not think it worth while to go to Germany and attempt
to revive old relationships there. He was able, however, at
a moment, to recall the German, when he met an}' one from
that country. He always preferred the German to the French.
He never liked the French pronunciation, but was very quick
in understanding it, never being confused or outwitted by
any storekeepers or officials. Two months passed very pleas-
antly. They would have staid longer, but the time for sailing
to America was approaching : he wished once more to see
England and the Unitarian brethren there. So they started
for Boulogne, passed through the old town of Amiens, full of
historic traditions and ruins, and visited the cathedral.
Their little voyage across the Channel was unusually quiet
and comfortable. They felt, for that reason, quite cordial
towards Folkestone, which travellers are likely to detest from
past associations. They were rather surprised to see how
innocent the storekeepers and other English people were of
the French language, considering that French boats were
coming and going all the time between the two shores. It
was a luxury, however, to hear English spoken ; for, al-
though our travellers had plenty of opportunities to speak
English, they had purposely avoided all colonies of English
or Americans on the Continent, on account of acquiring a
522 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
knowledge of languages and people. They passed through
the old town of Canterbury, and saw the cathedral, full of the
memories of Becket and Chaucer's tales ; and then they
came to London. London, too, was changed as well as
Paris. The fogs were no longer fogs, but beautiful mias-
mas, gauzy veils, that shrouded and revealed the noble
bridges, the Tower, the Abbey, the Parliament Houses, in a
soft light most lovely and poetic.
They had enjoyed cafe-life so much in Paris, that they
were disposed to try it again in London. But it was not the
same thing. A soup, heav} 7 and concentrated, and enough
to feed a Norwegian viking, soon sent them away to their
old hotel near the Strand in Norfolk Street, where the}'
had their generous sirloin of beef every day, good home-
vegetables, wholesome tea and coffee, bread and butter,
and an excellent host and hostess of the same name as
their own. They were near the banks of the Thames ;
and it was a daily pleasure to watch the little steamboats
flying up and down, full of people, while all the objects
around were bathed in the moist, silvery light. A tea or
dinner with their good friends the Sharpes, the Iresons, and
the Spearses, a lunch with Sir John Bo wring, a garden-party
at Mr. Bicknell's, a dinner-party at Mr. Hopgood's, all
zealous Unitarians, varied their week. He also saw and
revered Mr. Martineau in his own home, where his family
bestowed on the party kind hospitalities. Mr. Lowe was not
able to accept Mr. Herford's kind invitation for him to si&y
at his house, nor Miss Carpenter's cordial request that he
should come to Bristol. He went sometimes to Drury-Lane
Theatre and Prince-Albert Hall concerts, but the dress-
restrictions wearied him. He liked to go into the House of
Commons, and would have sought out all philanthropic in-
stitutions if his strength had permitted. He heard Dr.
Temple and Mr. Spurgeon preach, and prized much an hour
spent with Dean Stanley, and the visit to Westminster
Abbey in his company, and under his delightful guidance.
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT. 503
Feeble as he was, he lost not a moment in drawing sympathy
and knowledge from all classes of persons. He enjoyed the
breakfast-table at the little hotel, where were Englishmen of
every variety, merchants, lawyers, doctors, clergymen, and
wives, and college-students, with whom he loved to talk
over his newspaper, leaving many of them eager to get hold of
him again. To show how he won persons of a different style
from himself, we recall a young English officer at the table,
who was one of "the gallant six hundred of Balaklava."
He took such a liking to our minister, that he tried to
induce him to come to his uncle's estate in the west of
England.
A dinner was given to various American Unitarians by
our English friends. Mr. Lowe was called upon to speak,
among others. We find a report of his speech. He said, in
the course of it,
" I have always been much impressed by the circumstance that
the British and Foreign Unitarian Association and our American
Unitarian Association, with organization and aim so nearly iden-
tical, were established in nearly the same day of the same year.
It is one of those coincidences in history which are not infrequent,
where the same phase of thought and development, or perhaps the
same discovery in science, will appear simultaneously in widely
different communities. When places widely remote, as Vesuvius
and Iceland and California, are simultaneously visited by earth-
quakes, science concludes, that, although there is no contact on
the surface, there must be a contact in earth's central fires; and
so these apparently disconnected moral and spiritual developments
doubtless have a connection down in the heart of humanity. But
there is also a reality in that connection, which comes from sympa-
thy and mutual dependence; and in past times many an individual
thinker, and isolated movement in social progress, have died of
loneliness, that might have blessed the world if they had been
strengthened by the knowledge that they were welcomed and
supported elsewhere by kindred minds and kindred activities;
just as two sticks, when lighted apart, may easily go out, which,
if put in contact, will burst into a flame."
524 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
He goes on to speak about the weakness of onr denomi-
nation in America, from the fact that we are so jealous of
individual liberty. He thinks efficient organization need in
no way interfere with liberty of this kind. He reminds
them of what one of their great soldiers said, that he was
so profound a lover of peace, that he was willing to fight
for it ; and he thinks the principles of Christian liberty are
valuable enough to make it worth while for every true lover
of them to sacrifice a little of his preference for complete
independence, in order, that, by combining with others, he
may help to spread them. He hints at the small audiences
he often sees in England, to hear an able sermon from a
Unitarian minister, and touches upon a weakness there which
we do not have in New England ; that is, the temptation to
leave their seats, and go to the Established Church, because
it is more distinguished and fashionable. He reminds them,
as he was constantly doing us, that they ought to have a
new denominational building, in order to cultivate more
earnestness and a just esprit du corps.
The next reports we find are those of a " Farewell address
of Rev. Charles Lowe, Boston, U.S." This was given at
the spring social meeting of the Stamford-street congre-
gation, London, "one of the best-attended meetings that
had been held in the chapel." The following resolution
was proposed by S. S. Tayler, Esq., and seconded by Rev.
T. Leyland.
"Resolved, That this congregation tender a cordial welcome to
Rev. Charles Lowe of Boston, and desire to express their pleasure
at his presence here this evening. They trust that his visits to
the shores of the Old World may have improved his health, and
also made him feel stronger in that life of affection and brotherly
sympathy that unites the Old and New Worlds. They hope that
he may be spared many years to enjoy the pleasure of seeing more
widely germinate on both continents those simple truths of Chris-
tianity, which they rejoice to feel that he has been so instrumental
in promoting."
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT.
Mr. Lowe, says "The Inquirer," received an enthusiastic
greeting on rising to speak, thanking them for their kind
welcome, and regretting that this was his last opportunity
of meeting his English brethren, especially as his lack of
health had prevented him from seeing more of them and
their work. He was very sorry that he had been compelled
to decline so many kind invitations this season and a year
ago. He should never forget the pleasant impressions he
had of their work, especially that of Mr. Spears, the pastor
of that society, whose earnestness he had admired, and whose
self-sacrificing devotion he should like to copy, and carry to
the brethren at home. He had been asked to give some
account of the measure of success in our American churches.
He was afraid it had been exaggerated. We were often
depressed ; some would not do what the rest wanted ; peo-
ple would not think alike ; but still, we had made great
progress in the right way the last ten years. He emphasizes
the need of co-operation among the churches. It brings
forward the laymen and lay- women. Then he tells a story,
as he is apt to do, for an illustration, about one of Napo-
leon's soldiers, who got himself warm, and saved his own
life, in Russia, by rubbing his comrade. He speaks with
especial pleasure of the fact that we have begun "to learn
the value of women's co-operation, having two ladies on the
executive board of the Unitarian Association." He alludes
to the creed agitation which has disturbed us, but thinks
this controversy, " which threatened a complete rupture of
the denomination, has resulted in establishing more clearly
than ever the great principles of our faith, and in cementing
us more closely together. We did not agree in opinion,"
he said, " any more than we did before." He quotes what
James Freeman Clarke said in a discourse on behalf of the
American Unitarian Association. "I love Unitarians, not
because I agree with them in all things, but because I don't,"
"meaning that by their very differences they help each
other, when there is a recognition of individual liberty and
526 MEMOIR OF CRAELES LOWE.
an honest seeking after truth." He tells them, that in our
recent agitation " it was made clear, that, as a body, we
demanded an acceptance of Jesus Christ as our head, in a
sense so real, as to make it no mere traditional habit that
we assume his name ; but within this limit, no restriction was
placed as a condition of fellowship upon the perfect liberty
of thought and belief. And in the course of our discussions
the opposite parties learned to respect each other's honesty
and religious spirit." We quote a little more.
" We have found that it has a wonderfully harmonizing effect
on doctrinal differences, for people to join together in practical
Christian work. We may have lost somewhat in intellectual attain-
ment, compared relatively with other bodies in the last few years ;
but we have gained in warmth of devotional feeling. This is as
noticeable among our so-called radical brethren as among the con-
servatives. We ought not to leave out of sight our discourage-
ments. We have enough of them to make the heart sink, but I
never like to talk about them. The truest remedy is, to develop
more religious life. There are some among us who are shy of our
name. They look at the dictionary, and study the etymology, and
feel that ' Unitarian ' does not adequately express our position,
and there is a prejudice against it among people outside. Well,
there ought to be a prejudice against it if men see that those who
bear it are cold and indifferent, and are engrossed with petty in-
essentials, instead of the great vital question which they profess to
hold dear. But if, on the other hand, men see that we are ear-
nest and true, they will forget to criticise our name, and will turn
their regard to us. Years ago some of our English godfathers (for
whose taste and acts this generation was not responsible) gave us
in America the appellation of Yankees. It was not a name that we
preferred ; but it is the part of every true American not to try to
shake it off, but to make it command respect. So, for the word
Unitarian, we may not like it; but it happens to be ours, and I claim
that it has already gathered around it associations which ought to
make it dear. You cannot wipe it out from the history of religious
progress ; and though I would consent to give it up to-morrow if it
were desirable for the progress towards truth, or for the greater
unity of the Christian world, I should still glory in having been a
member of what bore the name of the Unitarian Church."
ENGLAND AND THE CONTINENT. 527
The meeting was presided over by Rev. R. Spears ; and
addresses were delivered by Messrs. Sharpe, Green, Tayler,
Dixon, and others. We are glad to quote from this ad-
dress ; because it shows us that he had not lost, during his
year and a half in Europe, one whit of his good cheer in
regard to the prospects of our denomination. His was no
good-natured optimism, as some charged him with at home.
His opinions and encouraging views of our religious condi-
tion, we believe, proceeded from a high Christian philosophy,
joined to a practical sagacity, good sense, and knowledge
of the wants of human nature, which made him think that
the wholesome crisis through which we had passed would not
return again. Nothing, we believe, would have troubled
him more on his return, or would trouble him more if he
were here now, than to see us opening again the vexed ques-
tions of " Statements of Faith," that were so unequivocally
and harmoniously settled in the constitution of our National
Conference of churches, which is still accepted to-day by the
great majority of Unitarian Christians.
CHAPTER XLV.
HOME AGAIN.
1873.
Passengers. R. W. Emerson. On Shore. Music-hall Meet-
ing. Reception to Mr. Lowe. Death of his Father. Frag-
ments of Journal. Foreign Reflections. Genevan Pastors.
Voltaire. Spain. Amadeus. Alfonso. Mr. Perry and
the Spanish Government. Religion. Castelar. Portrait of
Columbus. Hernando Cortes. Swiss Character. English
People. Sir John Eowring. Invalids. Brahmo Somaj.
ri iHE travellers are now on their road to Liverpool, to
-L embark for home. When they arrived there, and saw
only the expanse of water which separated them from the
New World, and thought of the many ships continuall}" pass-
ing back and forth, they seemed quite near America. They
must first visit the old town of Chester in that neighborhood,
which travellers generally take first, but which they saw last,
having sailed directly for the coast of France. They em-
barked on the Cunard steamer, the " Olympus," about the
middle of Ma} r , 1873. The voyage was favorable. In fact,
the travellers had reason to be very grateful, that in all their
journeys, although their measure of health was limited, a
kind Providence had kept them from the agitations of danger
by sea and land, and from all epidemics, or serious illnesses
of any kind. Whatever might be in store for them, it was
granted them not to be separated in a foreign land. Mr.
Lowe, as we have said, was always well and in good spirits
HOME AGAIN. 529
at sea. He had some very agreeable fellow-passengers;
among others, Ralph Waldo Emerson and his daughter Miss
Ellen Emerson, Professor Norton of Cambridge, Mr. Bui-
lard of Boston, Professor Upham of Cambridge, Mr. Mori-
son, etc. He had never met Mr. Emerson before. As a
young man he had been a little afraid of him, and got some
false notions of his reserve and austerity. He was surprised
and delighted, on being privileged to make acquaintance with
the venerable seer and poet, to find how much he was mis-
taken. He jots down a few scattered records of conversa-
tion :
" Mr. Emerson tells of his visit to Ruskin, and his despondency
amounting almost to insanity. You could hardly tell whether real,
or not, it was so intense; every thing going wrong. Carlyle was
in some ways as despondent ; but there was some wit in his denun-
ciations, and he would laugh himself sometimes at the picture he
was drawing. . . . Mr. Emerson spoke of co-education, spoke of
the difference between the European and American methods in this
respect. He was once talking with Dickens on the subject, who
said he didn't believe many young men arrived at maturity per-
fectly pure. Fathers would think there was something wrong
about them in that case. Mr. Emerson replied to him, that he
believed that the greater part of young men in this country en-
tered the married state as pure as their wives.
" He speaks of Darwin as constantly subject to nausea, like sea-
sickness. His sweetness of temper towards opponents was remark-
able. Mr. Emerson could not understand the grounds of Agassiz'
great aversion to Darwin's theory; thought he had himself pre-
pared the way for it.
" Mr. Emerson does not seem to believe in any of the supposed
facts of mesmerism or spiritualism. He says, all he can say ia,
that he never saw any thing to convince him of preternatural
phenomena, and he has known enough in connection with alleged
facts to make him feel the worthlessness of human testimony. Aa
to a belief in immortality among scientific men, he says he thinks
it prevails according as the man is a real thinker, and not merely
engrossed in outside and material questions, and has comprehended
530 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
that outward order and harmony imply also an inner. . . . Mr.
Emerson can't tell one tune from another in music."
As they approached home, their hearts beat high with
pleasure and expectation. Mr. Lowe rejoiced at the sight of
the beautiful harbor of Boston. But there must be prose as
well as poetry. All night, and all through the morning hours,
the passengers were detained from shore : we do not now
remember why. The care of the luggage and the intolerable
custom-house delay exhausted him. He was ready at first
to spring into the anniversary meetings, which he knew were
taking place ; but this delay damped his ardor : and, when
set free, he went with the rest to the hospitable house of his
brother-in-law in North Cambridge. He was not too tired,
however, to enjoy the budding spring ; and nothing he had
seen, he said, seemed more delightful to him than the ride in
the open horse-car from Boston to North Cambridge, with
the lovely homes on each side of the street, white and rose-
colored with the fruit-trees in bloom. Boston had changed,
but it was still lovely. The great fire happened while he
was away, and many open spaces still showed its ravages ;
but new and elegant buildings were fast taking the place of
the old.
He was able to appear at the Music-hall festival the next
day ; and when it was told to the audience that he was at
home, and in the house, there were prolonged and hearty
cheers from the whole great concourse of people, such as he
had never received before. It was, indeed, a proud and joy-
ful hour of his life, never to be forgotten. Those who loved
him felt, that, whatever might come in the future, here was
a great and satisfying experience, unmixed pleasure, which
could never be wiped away. He was called out. He ap-
peared, slight in figure as he was, frail ; but his voice sounded
as well as ever, and filled the house. Through all his physi-
cal weakness he never lost his full, rich voice, except for a
year, from a temporary throat-disorder which he contracted
HOME AGAIN. 531
in the army. He said only a few words ; but there was the
same cheering ring about them, and the audience was satis-
fied. Some one said to another, " He is the best-loved man
in the denomination." His nearest and dearest were willino-
9
to hear it said. It might be only partially true. There are
all kinds of love. But love does not assume any thing like
fame or knowledge or power, and so they were not too modest
to enjoy this praise. We have said there were few changes
in his absence. One change was to come. His beloved and
honored father was in his decline. His only wish was, to see
his dear son once more. That wish was granted him. Mr.
Lowe spent most of his time at the bedside of his father,
who passed away at midsummer, ready and willing to die.
Mr. Lowe was unusually well through this trouble ; and,
much as he loved his father, he was perfectly cheerful about
his illness and death. He never at any time appeared de-
pressed or gloomy after attending funerals, although they
exhausted his strength and nervous energy. After the fa-
ther's death, the thoughtfulness of the son was more appar-
ent than ever. His father, some time before his illness, had
sold his large estate on the hill, and purchased a small, com-
modious house, in which the mother could live with less care
when he was no longer with her. The son was pleased with
the new house, and ran his eye over it to see if any thing
could be added to his mother's comfort. He discovered, at a
glance, a corner where there should be a window to let in sun,
and show a pretty view. He got the carpenters, and had
the work done at once. His mother calls it her memorial
window of Charles, fit emblem of a son who always brought
sunshine when he came. Later in the summer, returning
again to his sedentary pursuits, he lost ground in health,
and went down to the Isles of Shoals, his favorite place, for
a few days, and came back much recruited. A second time
he felt the need of going there, but came home dispirited,
saying, with a sigh, that he was afraid the place had lost its
power over him. He was getting into his pulmonary weak-
532 MEMOIR OF CHABLES LOWE.
nesses again. He threw himself, however, into occupation ;
and we find some addresses which he appears to have given
this year, and note-books of foreign observations, which he
used in his speeches. One book contains an account of the
Protestant synod of Paris in 1872, which is an old story now,
but was a very exciting event then in its relations to lib-
eral Protestants. Another has jottings about the Protestant
churches, which are perhaps as true now as then :
" I asked about the duties of a pastor. They only preach once
a Sunday, and some of them only two Sundays a month. The
only thing that is hard is the attendance at funerals. Each fune-
ral occupies about a day, first the service at the house ; then the
minister goes to the cemetery, and he makes an extempore prayer
and an address. These services at the grave they consider very
important opportunities, because at the cemetery are always great
numbers of people: and, when one gives an address, these people
begin to gather round to hear; and, if the preacher is eloquent, he
generally attracts a crowd. The fact that he speaks in French is
attractive to the Catholic portion, all whose burial-service is in
Latin; and great multitudes, who would never go into a Protestant
church, get, at these funeral-services, M. Coquerel tells me, views
of religion which plant seeds of new thought and life. . . . Item.
If I am called to speak on Unitarianism at home, 1 must speak
of the Methodist correspondent's interview with Ewald in Germany
(Ewald could not believe the Unitarian body was so small), in
order to enforce the need all the more, to keep up our prestige of
scholarship and zeal. . . . Our nursery governess Marie, from
Alsace, says almost all the children there learn to read and write.
The farmers' children work in summer, and go to school in winter.
Our own intercourse with domestics and tradespeople has given us
surprise at the amount of intelligence and education in France."
Here follow closely written statistics in regard to churches
and schools which it is not worth while to decipher. Many
of these records are something more than statistics, being
notes on religious movements in France, Switzerland, Italy,
Spain, England, etc., which are now out of date. We shall
HOME AGAIN. 533
extract only those observations and conclusions which have
a permanent value.
" Preaching. ' The Freeman ' says there must be a divine
afflatus to make the difference between mere pulpit rhetoricians
and a real preacher, and illustrates it by the story of Whitefield's
preaching a sermon which pealed out sentence by sentence amidst
rolling thunder and flashing lightning, and which produced such
stupendous effect that they asked him to repeat it the next day.
He said he would, provided they would secure the thunder and
lightning . . . Don't carry to excess, it says, the imitation of
ancient models. ' We may love their fragrant memory, but must
not pore over their skeletons.' (This might also apply to accept-
ance of creeds and dogmas left by men of worth and piety in other
days.) Geneva. This town is specially interesting for having
attempted to protect liberty of conscience in 16tb century as they
understood it. Rome, Madrid, France, were determined to con-
vert her, or put her down. Yet the little state, without money or
arms, held out. But this was not liberty of denying religion, nor
liberty for Catholics. They held aloof from French philosophers,
and would not let the Catholics have any rights of citizenship. . . .
They were, however, manly in their dealings with Voltaire. The
pastors and magistrates, when courts flattered him, were digni-
fied if narrow, and opposed themselves firmly to his intrigues. . . .
(See D' Alembert's famous article on Geneva in encyclopaedia, Octo-
ber, 1757.) D'Alembert says, after praising the Genevan patriots,
' Many pastors do not believe in the deity of Christ. They main-
tain that we must not take literally in the Holy Scriptures any
thing that would offend against reason and common humanity.
Their religion is perfect Socinianism. ' This statement was in-
stigated by Voltaire (possibly may have been true) ; but it roused
the pastors, and resulted in a Declaration of Faith. (I am in-
clined to believe that the article stated truly, though in exag-
gerated form, tendencies among the Genevan pastors ) All their
dealings with Voltaire and Rousseau were broad and moderate,
showing among them something different from narrow, dogmatic
orthodoxy. Probably the liberal tendencies existed, as D'Alem-
bert says; but, when Voltaire bluntly exaggerated them, tli.-ir
reputation was at stake; and the tolerant orthodox were startled at
the reputation of opinions they did not hold, and so all the nat-
534 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
ural working of free inquiry was stopped. Their ' Declaration of
Faith ' denied the charges; but it was, for all that, comparatively
free of cant. Many Unitarians might assent to it. Voltaire wrote
to the pastors, after there was much heated discussion, ' Are you
really sorry at the bottom of your heart that the encyclopaedia says
you agree with the 2,000 priests who protested against Athanasius?
Some 90,000 Dutchmen treat you now as heterodox. Are you
wronged much because you are charged with the crime of believ-
ing in one only God of mercy ? No. You are not so angry as you
pretend.'
" Switzerland. On the mountains, going to Chamouni, I saw
evidence of extreme poverty and of cheapness of labor. One
man standing all day long to watch two cows, and see that they
ate clean, as they went, all the little patches; could hardly under-
stand how the milk of those two cows could be worth the entire
labor of an able-bodied man. When women were tending the
cows, they generally had their knitting-work.
"Dean Stanley's letter to the old Catholics is significant. He
declares his position in reference to the Church of England like
that of the old Catholics. He does not hesitate to avow its errors,
and, with the hoped-for improvement, believes it the broadest
church. If the broad party should secede, it would probably be a
narrower sect than the church itself. ,
" Liberty. Here is a proof of it in Switzerland. Archbishop
Mermillod was suspended by the government for rebellion against
authority. He wrote a letter declaring resistance to government
lawful. The letter was printed, and the government did not in-
terfere. Boys sold it around the streets. The Geneva papers said
that in no other European country would such license be tolerated.
It is wonderful how these people have retained their own character-
istics while speaking French and German, traits quite distinct;
not so much rude power as the German, nor vivacity as the French.
Carrying on public works. Not imitating, but originating, sys-
tems. Intemperance in cheap wines the terrible curse of the
country. ' Blue Monday ' is so called after the Sunday drink-
ing."
Interesting facts from Spain :
" Spain. King Amadeus has courage, and that is about all.
Goes about the streets alone with a walking-stick, even in worst
HOME AGAIN. 535
times, but dissolute in character. Rides well, hunts well. Has
no high ideas of ruling. His prime minister, in defending the
government one day at a soiree where our brother was, said he
didn't know 'how they could ask for a freer government.' He
hadn't ' heard the king say a word of politics yet, and he had been
there five months.' . . . Horatio thinks Alfonso will be king some-
time. Prim was at fault, or there would have been a republic.
He was of low extraction, and dazzled by being made a noble,
and preferred to keep the nobility, and be king-maker. Preferred
a weak king rather than be president of a republic. Horatio wa
present when the matter was settled. He was intimate with both
parties. Went to Paris for the republican leaders. Could not
bring it about H tells me important facts in his experience
some years ago. A United-States ship had chased a vessel, the
' Blanche,' into Cuban waters, and after she had hoisted Spanish
flag, and been boarded by Spanish officers, burned her. The
Spanish Government was indignant, and refused to receive our
minister. Horatio was in charge of Legation. He went to the
ministers, and said, if the facts were so, he would answer for it,
our government would make amends. O'Donnell and others held
out. H went again ; same. Then H said, ' I have given
this assurance. Have you any personal objection to Mr. K ? '
' No.' Then, said H , ' I, as charge d'affaires of the United
States, shall take down the United-States flag from the Legation;
and you are responsible for the rupture.' They said at length,
' We will receive Mr. K , but we must treat of this matter in
the queen's speech.' H said, 'Very well, but I must see
beforehand what you write.' They showed H ; and H
said, ' This won't do: you make a point, and we have no chance to
reply.' They re-wrote, but still H objected again and again.
Finally they handed him the paper, and H actually wrote a
part of the queen's speech. So a little firmness and wisdom on
the part of our brother probably saved a war.
"Basque people. They have great instinct of independence;
dignity of men who have had their rights in government; at the
same time great respect for those whom they recognize as their
superiors. The only part of Spain where a farmer can live on
his land securely. All their dances are martial. Horatio and
Carolina have often had relations with them in the summer resorta
at the north of Spain.
536 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
"Women in Spain. Her property does not merge in that of
her husband. He is trustee of it. At his death all the estate is
liable to make good her account. All her earnings belong to her,
and her husband cannot claim them.
" Catholic Church in Spain. Better than in any other country.
Their catechism is, in the main, good doctrine. They are incited
to faith, partly from tradition, and partly from national feeling.
They are liberal because there is no disputation among them, and
also because there is almost no preaching. In other countries,
dogmas are pounded into the people by preachers every Sunday,
except mass and ceremonial. Result of this, dogmas little re-
garded. Reverence only for church and its traditions among large
multitudes; and if Dollinger could present his truths there as the
old Catholic faith, great numbers would welcome it, and a quiet
reform could be accomplished sooner than by Protestantism. Cas-
telar has great reverence for Christianity, but does not regard it
as final authority. He would probably join in such a movement of
reform.
"Portrait of Columbus. Without beard; large forehead;
large, thoughtful eyes; contemplative but firm expression about
the mouth. Sincerity, earnestness, and mildness combined, like
a man who would patiently make out an idea, then not cling to
it so much from obstinacy of will, or coarse courage, as from a
kind of impossibility of doing otherwise than cling to it; a sort
of oblivion of opposition ; would suffer any amount of opposition
without relinquishing it. It was no rash spirit of adventure, but
deliberate, calm conviction, that made him cross the seas.
"Portrait of Hernando Cortes. Man of action. Clear pene-
tration, energy, commanding eye. Saw Tassaro, former minister
from Spain to Washington. He gave me his views in regard to
the probability of revolution in England, and later in America.
'Humanity,' he says, 'is passing a place, like that when Christi-
anity came, which cannot be defined nor formulated, but will
result in overturnings that no constitutions can resist.' "
We find a little book full of facts in regard to the political
condition of the French Protestant Church, especially in
Switzerland. But, as events have changed so much in the
last ten years, we shall not occupy our space in quoting
them. Mr. Lowe was much interested in the Liberal Church
HOME AGAIN. 537
at Paris, but he evidently felt that Switzerland was the foun-
tain-head of this progress of thought ; and he liked to study
it, not only in the present struggle, but in the past history
of Switzerland.
Here are some reflections which have a more universal
interest for us.
" Swiss Sunday. At Bex, a very small population of the peo-
ple seemed to go to church. A few women, some of them evi-
dently of the real pious New- England type, like old Mother B ,
who would find the mile-walk almost restful, in spite of the in-
firmities and fatigues of age, on account of the religious joy she
found in the exercises of public worship; and as you sit and look
at them here, reverently listening, and drinking in deeper meaning
even than the preacher had put there, you see a self-respecting and
generous evidence of the peace of communion with God, and the
reality of the mysteries of faith. Then, there were a few young
girls apparently going through the exercises preparatory to con-
firmation. (Sometime I must enlarge upon the value of this,
which may seem a mere formal act, but which is one method of
religious culture; namely, the habit of confirming and taking
them into the church, and making finally Christians at a certain
age.) There were a few men of the more respectable sort. But
most of the population are outside the church, some pitching
quoits, some standing in groups, dressed in clean clothes, showing
a recognition of the day, not many working.
" In Switzerland, as far as I have seen, there is, to an unusual
degree, the element of manly dignity, and freedom from pettiness,
in both theological and political discussions, and in whatever else
may portray the national character. To be sure, there is no ideal
condition of things: there are local jealousies, feuds between the
cantons, intense theological oppositions, the most determined and
blind Catholicism, and the most earnest Protestantism, along side
by side, in such equality of political and numerical strength that
you would think harmony impossible. In many countries it would
be; but here it is possible, and the government is so secure that
you have a kind of sense of permanence and stability that you
miss in France and Italy or Spain, or even Germany. Perhaps
it is because Switzerland is so small, that there is less chance for
538 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
great storms of passion to endanger security. But these can
affect small states as well as great. The small tempests from the
mountains, sweeping over the little Swiss lakes, make them as
dangerous in their agitation as the ocean itself. No: it must be
a certain fixedness and balance, and dignity in the character of
the people. One can hardly live among them without seeing it
in all their ways. See them at work, industrious, steady, yet
never flurried or complaining, as if under taskmaster's eye; talk-
ing at their work like New-England mechanics, but with no dis-
position to shirk, and cheerfully doing the hardest tasks. No look
of abject poverty, though they always show thrift and economy in
clothes of coarse fabrics neatly patched I never remember to
have seen a person working in ragged clothes. ... In all the time
we were in Switzerland, never have heard an angry word. This is
not sluggishness. They are quick to spring and help, and full of
animation. Much is said of the Swiss extortion with strangers,
but this would be the same anywhere in public resort with an
influx of travellers.
" Church in Paris. I believe it would be a good thing for us
to send out an able man to bring together and minister to the
American and English population in Paris; to encourage the
church there, and to be in communication with other parts of
Europe, with liberal Protestants and Catholics. These people are
not afraid of being compromised by liberal preachers, if the men
come from abroad. For instance, Theodore Parker in Europe, and
Coquerel in America, would be freer from sectarian and party
obstacles.
"English character. There is a certain coarseness, from the
old, savage, rough Saxon element, which, in the lower classes, ap-
pears in beer-guzzling. It appears also in the upper classes; but
it is there, perhaps, a thing to be rejoiced in, rather than deplored.
They are more animal, less spiritual, but more healthy, more endur-
ing. More of them in the ground, we may say. We have gone too
much to blossom, and wither soon. Lord Derby, in a speech, says
there is a lack of thrift among them. An Englishman makes his
money go for less than any other European.
"Travel abroad for health. There are conditions, for which
nothing is so good a panacea as this ; where illness comes simply
from faculties being overstrained, and there is enough elasticity
left to make one recover by simply being unbent: where one needs
HOME AGAIN. 539
to get away from great absorption of mind and body in one pur-
suit and its surroundings, it is the very best prescription to go
away to new scenes with enough activity and stimulus to give
wholly new demands. Perhaps even this condition will allow" the
care of luggage, purchase of tickets, bargains with hotel-keepers.
But for a large class of invalids one meets abroad, physically ex-
hausted, needing comfort and repose, who see sights with forced
interest, and take places in railroad carriages flushed with fatigue
and nervous anxiety, I am tempted to lament the fatal facility of
travel, which leads them abroad, persons who, in old times,
would be in quiet, comfortable homes, with friends and neighbors
around in easy reach, a gentle stimulus which makes up for any
change of climate. Pascal says, ' I have often said that half the
misfortunes of men spring from their not knowing how to live
quietly at home in their own rooms.'
" English memoranda. Sir John Bowring, whom I was glad
to meet in London, originated the Anti-Corn-Law Movement intro-
ducing free trade. We may come to it ourselves. He was an
advocate of free press, the abolition of creeds in universities, etc.
With all his distinction, he never disguised his allegiance to our
unpopular faith .
"Item for our India mission. A writer from Calcutta de-
scribes his visit to the Scotch missionary colleges there. He put
a variety of questions to the more advanced class of students,
among which are the following, which are significant as indicating
the condition of the best educated among the rising generation in
India:
" 'Tell us what you think of the tendency of thought among
the young men of Calcutta.' Ans. 'The most of the educated
young men are leaning towards the Brahmo Somaj, or to philo-
sophical inquiry, or to unbelief.' ' Can you say how many edu-
cated young men believe in the old superstitions ? ' ' Not one in
a hundred.' 'What is your difficulty as to Christianity?' A
quiet young man, who had not yet spoken, said, ' The Trinity. '-
' You do not understand it? ' ' No.' ' You believe that the soul
is immortal? ' ' Yes.' ' Why do you believe that? ' ' Because
of our longing for immortality. God never gave such a longing
to be unsatisfied.' 'And what of Christ?'' We believe him
to be the best man that ever lived.' ' But not divine? ' -
' Do you not think the Brahmo Somaj is founded on Christi-
540 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
anity?' 'It has owed much to Christianity, but it has drawn
from many sources.' ' Would there have been a Brahmo Somaj
without Christianity?' 'Yes; because it is truth, and, being
such, must have been known some day. Yet the day might have
been far off but for Christianity.' "
This testimony to Christianity he felt that the friends of
our mission in India might take peculiar satisfaction in hear-
ing of, as it was evident that our presentation of Christian
truth was more acceptable to the Hindoo nrind, and had
already shown good fruits which were destined to increase
in the future.
CHAPTER XLVI.
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS.
1873.
Address before the Alumni of the Divinity School, Cambridge.
-Address before Ministerial Union, Boston. -Essay before
South Middlesex Association of Ministers. -Education. -Sci-
ence. - Co-education. - Cambridge Parish. - Antioch College.
TN midsummer he gave an address before the alumni of
- the Divinity School at Cambridge. He begins by say-
ing, that there was a time when our denomination was in
advance of all the others in this country in scholarship. He
recognizes the fact, that other denominations are giving much
more attention to intellectual culture now, and that perhaps
puts us more in the shade ; he rejoices at this, because, as he
says, " the interests of truth are as much served b}- progress
in other bodies as in our own ; " but we must see to it, that
we are not falling behind. He then considers the aspects
of the school at Cambridge. He has nothing but praise for
the quality of the instruction there, but believes that the
time is altogether too short for the true preparation of a
scholar and pastor. This haste is a characteristic of our
country. We quote some passages.
" If we wish to procure a really excellent pair of boots or shoes,
we ask for English or French or Russia leather. Our manufac-
turers assure us, that it is not because we do not have as good
material, but simply because our national impatience will not per-
mit the length of time needed for its thorough cure. . . .
" It may be said, that only three-years' study are required for the
542 MEMOIR OF CHABLES LOWE.
practice of medicine or law. True : but, at the completion of this
course, the young lawyer and physician begin with slowly accumu-
lating duties, affording ample leisure for the thorough preparation
in each new case ; so that the first few years after his admission to
practice are in reality a supplementary course of preparation for
his professional cares, just as truly so as if spent in a school. It
is the same with the young architect or engineer. The experience
of the young minister is altogether exceptional. There is nothing
like it in any other calling in this country. He is likely, the very
day he leaves the school, to be invited to a place as important and
as difficult as he will ever have to fill in the whole course of his
life, and is plunged at once into labors and responsibilities which
permit no leisure for study, and no healthy and gradual growth of
strength and experience. All of what may be called his prepara-
tory training must be got before his ordination. You have seen
the stunted figures of whole classes of workmen ; and it stands to
reason, that the peculiar circumstances of our calling will have
something of the same effect, unless we guard very carefully against
this premature assumption of duties."
He does not wish to lessen the requirements of the school,
but feels that the ministers have a responsibility in consider-
ing its interests. He goes on to develop his idea, which is
substantially the same as he has advanced before, only en-
larged. He clung to this plan with great tenacit}'. He says
he is aware that there are obstacles in the way of keeping
students longer, the matter of expense, their natural impa-
tience to be at work, and, most of all, the one-sidedness of
the cloister-life of a school. These difficulties are serious,
but he sees a way out of them. He reminds them that he
presented his plan before. " No general favor was accorded
to it, perhaps from want of time for discussion, inasmuch
as a few valued men did consider it at leisure, and gave it
their assent." He has altered his original plan a little.
" The plan is, to have a kind of alternate course, with, some-
what protracted periods of absence, instead of a continuous
three-years' course with the usual vacation. The terms to
be kept as they are, allowing ever} 7 third term, with the long
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS. 543
vacation appended, for the period of absence. This plan
would settle the pecuniary difficulty. A young man of energy
would lay up enough money in this interval to carry him
through the school with a little additional help." He touches
upon the question of too much indebtedness ; thinks it hurts
the sense of manly independence, burdens the life afterwards
with debts unpaid. He would not, however, take away the
time for study, if it were a loss. But was Jared Sparks an
any less able scholar or historian because he shingled barns
in the summer? The young man is getting health bv this
plan, breaking up his dyspepsia, inertia, and feebleness.
Mr. Lowe himself could speak feelingly on this subject.
When allusion was made to his slight figure, he always said
he was "stunted." He started well, but the schools and
colleges stopped his growth. He goes on to say that a stu-
dent in these hours of work can gain a good deal of time for
study, and quotes the " Spectator" as saying that the history
of literature proves that the conditions most favorable for
successful intellectual labor were, to have some regular pur-
suit remote from study occupying the larger portion of the
day, and that the intensity and vigor given to the few hours
snatched for reading and writing, more than offset the extra
amount of time devoted to other occupations.
We quote again :
" In the school, with its crowded exercises, the student goes over
a great deal of ground,' and amasses a great amount of material
which he has no time then to digest, and which is practically lost.
How different it would be, if, while the interest remained, it should
be possible, as this proposed interval would make it, carefully to
review the subject, and fix it in the mind . . . Professor C. C.
Everett spoke of a young man who complained of headache, and
was obliged to give up, and consult a physician. He had been
studying thirteen hours a day! Such open violation of laws must
bring its penalty. Every wise engineer, in using his forces, judges
of the strength of his material: if he goes beyond it, he is not wise,
and will find his whole thing fail. We may admire the resolution
544 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
and earnestness of such a student, but must pity the error of judg-
ment. There is no need of scholars breaking down, more than
other persons. It is so ordained, that we can do actually more in
a reasonable number of hours than in double the time, on account
of the greater freshness. Dr. Noyes once said to me, ' If you
have only an hour for a task, use one-quarter of it in a brisk walk,
and the three-quarters of the hour will be worth more to you than
the whole.'"
He speaks of the great advantages of Cambridge :
" Here we have at hand the best our country can furnish in
every department of learning; but, in the present crowded terms,
how many of our theological students really get any good of it?
They may attend a course or two of lectures, in a superficial way;
but, for any thorough benefit of it, this university might as well be
a hundred miles away.
"I think I do no wrong to the present system of ministerial
preparation if I say that three-years' life in a divinity school is not
favorable to the religious life. The study and discussion of the
deepest subjects of religious inquiry in all moods, in the regular
routine of class exercises, and in a cold, critical spirit, cannot pro-
mote piety."
He goes on to saj', that this is no reflection on the mana-
gers of the school ; that their chief aim is, not to make Chris-
tian ministers, but to promote the study of theology ; and, if
any one is disturbed by such an admission, he can state that
the professors in the orthodox university of Lausanne, in
Switzerland, made just such an assertion when criticised.
Sometimes the attempt is made, in such schools, to remedy
this defect by prayer-meetings or revivals ; but this is apt
to be artificial. The end would be better served by allowing,
at certain intervals, an entire change of surroundings, and
opportunity for solitary thought, quiet contemplation, and
healthy expansion of the nature.
He speaks of the biographies of great men as showing
how these periods have been the forming ones of their life.
Mentions Channing in Virginia, etc., and declares it his
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS. 545
opinion, that for the student to spend a portion of each year,
r every two years, away from Divinity Hall, would be no
loss, but a gain. I do not," he says, wish to leave the
impression of any too exalted expectation on my part. I
simply desire to give the thoughts of the young student a
chance to settle a little, and afford time for the growth of
mind and heart." He speaks now of one more suggestion in
connection with this plan :
The last of these periods of absence should be employed in
actual ministerial service. ... I remember, however, from my
own experience, how this kind of preaching in different churches
broke in upon the week: the talk about parishes took the place
of our old discussions. What does the young preacher learn about
real ministerial work in such experiences? ... As to parish af-
fairs, he gets nothing worth his knowing, but rather a perverted
and misguided notion of it all. If, as is likely, he goes where the
pulpit is vacant, and the society is in that condition which natu-
rally results from this, he will hear chiefly of the salary and the
outside interests ; but he will probably have poured into his ear
the stories of the factions and the bickerings and all the mere
gossip of a parish which the minister, if he is wise, will try never
to hear. In short, he will have much of that sort of experience of
which (unless he is more fortunate than most) he is going to have,
when preaching as a candidate, enough to make a serious, earnest
man well-nigh heart-sick of his profession, and which is as unlike
true ministerial labor, and as worthless in preparation for it, as the
old militia muster-day, with its roistering, was for real military
service."
Now he opens his favorite plan :
" What I should propose would be very different. It would be,
to place each student, if possible, for the entire period of absence
from the school (last period), with some one settled pastor, to assist
him in such ways as might be found practicable, so as, with moder-
ate burden of responsibility, to learn the methods and to feel the
spirit of real parish-work. The advantage of pulpit-practice would
be doubly valuable from the fact that he is not obliged on Monday
to turn his thoughts back to the exercises of the school, but can
546 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
devote the whole attention to the profitable use of this practical
experience. Of course, to arrange the places for such pastoral
service, and to help the students to a satisfactory use of the earlier
periods of absence, will impose on some one a good deal of labor;
but I think the plan is practicable, and that the results would be
worth the pains.
" Some may say, it will not do to make the requirements for
the ministry too exacting, lest we diminish the already meagre
number that are entering upon it. For my part, I believe that the
effect will be just the reverse. . . . For an earnest youth, difficul-
ties are only an invitation. Why is it that our best young men-
graduates from this university, or from other schools, or from no
school, young men of good parts and earnest purpose, are crowd-
ing all other professions, and giving to ours such a pitifully small
proportion? Brethren, I am afraid it is partly our fault, in not
having tried as we might to influence them in this direction. . . .
There are in some other callings more fascinating attractions.
The gigantic enterprises by which some have achieved a fortune
.and a name, the brilliant successes of some mercantile or political
career, have filled with startling effects the canvas which the
young man studies when he is meditating his plan of life; and no
wonder he is dazzled by some of the prospects they portray. But the
sad counterparts of these, of which the last few years have been so
prolific, bubbles burst and reputations blasted, ought to make
it easy for us to convince him, that, in the office of the Christian
minister, :there is a measure of solid satisfaction such as few other
callings can afford; while its opportunities expand so as to go
beyond the largest capacity and the highest aspirations Let us
all go away, feeling that it is partly our fault if this school is not
filled with the best blood and brain of the rising generation."
We have quoted passages from this address, because the
changes he has suggested here were no hasty conclusions or
theories in regard to the theological school. These plans
were deliberately formed, after years, we might say, of obser-
vation, and also personal experience ; for he recalls his own
life in the school, sees where it was lacking, and where the
causes were, not alone in himself, but in his surroundings.
He presented his plan, as he says, before he went away. It
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS. 547
was passed by in the haste of the hour, although he remem-
bers that a few venerated men looked on it with approval.
He carries it in his mind through Europe, observes the
working of other institutions, and, with some alterations,
presents it again to the alumni, on being invited to address
them after his return. What their reception of it was, we
do not now recall. Some changes have been made in regard
to the terms of study and the scholarly requirements of the
school, but we believe no movement has been started in the
particular direction he wished. Reforms work slowly, and
sometimes the simplest remedies for society and institutions
are the last to be adopted.
"We find two more addresses which he gave this year,
one before the Ministerial Union in Boston, the other before
the association of ministers in South Middlesex County.
These papers are his last words to the brethren, in public
speech ; and we may be pardoned for quoting a little more
from these than we have done from his sermons.
He reminds them of the fact, that, the last time he spoke
among them, a painful discussion was going on, so exciting,
that some feared that we should break asunder, with two
antagonistic parties in our ranks. That difficult}* had
passed ; differences were happily harmonized ; the danger
now was perhaps of too little activity and life. He believes
that these changes in our experience are not indications of
looseness nor of vagueness in opinions, as our opponents
say : they are just as much noticeable in other denominations ;
they sign their creeds, and talk about " substance of doc-
trine," but contradict in their sermons all they have accepted.
He says,
" We Unitarians, on the other hand, are jealous of our indi-
vidual opinion, and cherish with a great degree of sensitiveness
our principle of independence: if one of us find himself too exactly
agreeing with another, he is afraid it may indicate that he is not
true to his own convictions ; and so he is sure to pick some flaw in
the other's position, lest he himself should appear to be following
548 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
another's lead: thus we seem to differ more widely than we really
do. But take the whole period of our existence as a sect, and
measure it by any given standard, and see how uniform it has
been. Look at the influence of Dr. Channing, for example. With
him, truly, more than with any one else, the movement took its
form. Our Unitarian body has clung to him, but not in slavish con-
formity ; never were his writings more widely valued than to-day ;
and this phase of thinking, which he and his associates represent,
will hereafter appear in the story of the world's progress, like a
line of light, as well denned as Methodism or Calvinism, and this
notwithstanding the stupendous machinery which has welded those
systems into compactness and power. We do not call ourselves
Channingites, as they call themselves Wesleyans or Calvinists, but,
in essential agreement, compare the relation of Unitarians to
Channing with that of Calvinists to Calvin; many Calvinists
rejecting what he regarded as the most vital portion of his be-
lief." . . .
He quotes from Mrs. Browning, in illustration of the
weakness of our own judgment of ourselves in the present.
She says of the age,
" Every age,
Through being watched too close, is ill discerned
By those who have not lived past it."
He believes that we are much better able to judge of our
differences than we were two years before, when they oc-
curred ; and their magnitude is lessened. He illustrates this
in the history of our country ; recalls all the discouragements,
the criticisms, the cabals, of the time of Washington. Utter
failure was predicted from lack of coherency in the nation.
And yet now what essential unity of purpose we see in that
whole epoch of history ! So Unitarianism, instead of being
vague and uncertain, is one of the wonderfully clear and
harmonious movements of human thought. He sees the
great changes in religious thought everywhere. He had
been attending all kinds of worship in Europe, except Uni-
tarian, and rarely heard much with which he could not agree.
But the press and literature, he says, are watching other
denominations enough.
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS. 549
We are in danger of indulging in censures and self-gratulation
too much, at the sacrifice of brotherly love; and therefore we must
try to put ourselves in the places O f those whom we condemn.
Some of them are the noblest of men; they are not timid or insin-
cere; they feel that they can serve the world better by staying in
their places: we may not agree with them; but let us be patient
and not criticise these awkward, and sometimes grotesque, attempts
to reconcile their larger views with the trammels of an exacting
confession."
There is great need that all our liberal churches, Unita-
rian, Universalist, etc., should combine against materialism
and selfishness. These two bodies have heretofore worked
in different lines and round different centres. Channing and
Murray worked apart. Perhaps it was well that the seed
sown might have independent growth : but now their thought
has matured ; they are agreed on great principles of Chris-
tian faith ; it is time to combine their separate agencies into
a grander movement than we have yet conceived.
He takes up our duties towards those liberal tendencies
"not represented by any distinctive organization, and which
are not distinctively Christian."
He says,
"The time has gone by, if it ever existed, when our principal
province was to help liberalize the world. Now literature, science,
and a score of influences like these, vastly more powerful than any
religious movement such as ours, are at work loosening the bonds
of creed and dogma, and are making the world liberal to a degree
that well may sometimes fill us with alarm ; and, in confessing to
this feeling of alarm, I am not concerned by the criticisms of those
who declare such a sentiment in us is treacherous to the principles
which we profess. I value liberty, not chiefly for itself, but as a
means to a higher end. The example of the period preceding the
French Revolution always stands us in stead for an illustration.
. . . Who can tell how different it might have been if the encyclo-
pedists had met, in their discussions, those who taught Christianity
in the form of a rational faith? if the simple religion of Jesus, of
whom even Voltaire wrote such reverent words, had been presented
550 MEMOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
as the friend and ally of all the noblest faculties of man? . . .
In reference to science, our course has been, freely to say to it,
1 God-speed.' We welcome your activity, and wait joyfully every
fresh revelation you may unfold."
He wishes he had time to speak about our own prospects.
He wonders that any should be discouraged. He was him-
self, perhaps, less confident than once of our increase as a
sect, and less concerned ; but this was only because of the
astounding march of our principles. But we had the work
still to do, and needed first of all to cultivate more denomi-
national pride and zeal, not in any sectarian spirit, but to
cherish a proper affection for our distinctive faith and church,
which would draw us together with warmth of sympathy and
a fellowship in our common work.
In November, 1873, he gave the last of the three addresses
we have named in the form of an essay before the County
Ministerial Association. His subject is "Education." He
tells them that he has chosen a subject which may seem
somewhat foreign to the meeting, and yet he does not think
it is out of place. He reminds them how of old the minister
was the principal man on the school committee, and how
every child knew him in the street ; and thus, through him,
the church had a personal hold on them after they grew up,
and commanded their affection and respect. Necessities for
division of labor have brought about the change to-day per-
haps, but it is an unfortunate feature of our social condition.
. . . There are many questions to take up. One is the
question brought forward by Herbert Spencer, " What knowl-
edge is of most worth? " Spencer's answer is, " Science."
For self-preservation, or gaining a livelihood, for national
integrity, for enjoj'ment of art, for intellectual and moral
discipline, the true preparation, according to Spencer, is
"science." This Mr. Lowe calls a sweeping assertion,
that challenges opposition. Spencer argues this closely,
shows clearly that the study of science is important ; but he
might as well say that iron is the one element of food for
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS. 551
man and beast and plant because it enters so largely into the
composition of vegetable and animal life. We quote :
" Besides allowing what he takes most pains to illustrate, that
poetry and art and industry and healthful living all require obe-
dience to the principles of science, it by no means follows that
such knowledge of these principles demands the predominance
which he insists upon in the curriculum of study. There is a way
of imbibing from general literature, and the prevalent intelligence
of the age, such an amount of intelligence as is most essential; just
as the plants find in the average soil, without special additions, the
mineral elements needed. So the poet and the artist, with their
natural insight, generally manage to keep free from gross mistakes.
It is hardly likely that Shakspeare had studied science much ; and,
if he had, the science of his day is pretty nearly outgrown.
" Mr. Spencer makes much of the consideration that the objects
of science are facts. But so are the objects of literature and his-
tory and grammar and metaphysics facts of another sort. The
thoughts and the actions of men, the workings of the human mind,
and the events of human experience, are just as real things as the
muscles of a frog or the cells of a thistle.
" One of his arguments in favor of science as the proper study
for children, namely, that it is most suited to their faculties, is
only partially true. That depends on how it is taught. Let
Spencer himself, or any lover of science, undertake to teach them,
and he would doubtless fill the pupils with eager enthusiasm. But,
on the other hand, natural science may be, and often is, the hardest
and the dryest of studies."
He tells his own experience, how much he disliked chem-
istry, etc., when young, although he had naturally a taste for
science.
"It may be replied, that this is only owing to a mistaken way
of teaching. Precisely so; and thus the other studies which Mr.
Spencer would reject, are chiefly unsuited to childhood for the
same reason. Grammar he holds up, with a kind of sneer, as a
study which we have no right to put on a fresh, innocent child. I
think so, too, if taught in a dry manner. . . .
" In nothing is the exaggerated estimate of the value of scien-
tific study, as made by its advocates, so apparent as in the claim
552 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
they make of its superiority as a discipline. For instance, Mr.
Huxley makes much of the circumstance that all other studies
tend to train the mind to rely on authority ; that history implies
all along the acceptance of things we have no other proof of, than
that some one tells us they happened. In grammar we simply
accept the rules as given, without exercising our own faculties of
independent observation as in science. This, we answer again,
depends on how science is taught. It requires apparatus and speci-
mens such as cannot easily be procured; and it is idle to suppose,
that, in ordinary cases, there would be much more independent
thinking than in other studies.
" It is curious to see, in all this modern laudation of science, how
readily this assumption is made current, that science lifts men above
all dependence on authority. For my part, I think, r that, leaving
aside the comparatively few investigators, there is hardly any
study that the liberally educated people of the present day pursue
(even those who make the most talk about independence) that rests
so much on authority. How few among them all really know any
thing about these so-called facts of science in any other way, than
from the report of persons who say they are so ! "
He takes, for an illustration, Mr. Huxley's " Theory of
Protoplasm." Tells the story of the nettle in the professor's
interesting way, at some length, which we will not quote
here. This graphically described "fact," this theory of
the " physical basis of life," he says,
"I may accept, but my only reason for doing so would be my
confidence in the testimony of Professor Huxley. I have no means
of verifying these wonders that are displayed in the space of a
twenty-thousandth of an inch. And, for aught I know, it may be
a regular Munchausen story from beginning to end. Neither is it
likely that nine-tenths of those who do accept it, and reason upon
it, have ever verified the account; but they take it for granted as
human testimony, as they would the account of what Stanley saw
in Africa, or any historical event narrated by Julius Csesar. The
strange thing is, that, while doing so, they should be so deluded
with the idea that science is so exclusively independent of author-
ity; that the same persons who unhesitatingly accept, on mere
assertion, the wildest of alleged scientific phenomena, regard with
ADDEESSES AND PAPERS. 553
disdainful superiority those who believe the story of the resurrec-
tion, as showing an unscientific spirit of deference to authority
nence has become the popular hobby of modern thought. It is
as mortifying now not to know certain things, as it was at one
time not to be able to quote Horace, or to discuss modes of being
In an age of pedantry we should wish a young man to know what
was interesting the thought of society, and for the same reason
would recommend study of science ; though, of course, the topic is
far more noble and useful ; but I cannot exalt it into the most
important of all studies. It, no doubt, would develop excellent
discipline, love of truth, and fairness to opponents, but no more
than the study of lives and the welfare of society. These subjects
are certainly as good exercise for the mind as the question whether
we are descended, or not, from the monkey."
His conclusion is, that the arguments for substituting
, scientific studies for those commonly pursued, are, in the
main, overwrought, and erroneous by reason of their assump-
tions. But, with proper moderation, these studies will be
imperatively demanded and desirable. Any thing, he says,
to break up, for those who are pursuing a '-liberal " educa-
tion, that most illiberal and narrow exclusive attention to the
ancient languages. He remembers how, at the classical
school at Exeter, N.H., for one whole year the boys had
nothing but Latin. It was dreadful, the thought of a young
boy with a mind ready to expand, and develop tastes for
the good and beautiful, shut up to such a system as that.
He believed exclusive attention to scientific study would be
as bad, and have a coarser flavor of culture in its results,
compared with the richness of the classical training and
system of education. We needed, as Spencer says, a variety
for the mind, not all one diet. His next question was
that of the co-education of the sexes. He says,
" All seem agreed, that it is wise to have boys and girls together
up to a certain age; and it is a question that is demanding an
answer at the door of our largest institutions, whether there is
any time at which such a mingling of the sexes in education should
be abolished. For my own part, I am not sufficiently advised to be
554 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
able to express an assured opinion. In continental Europe the
condition of society is such, that I rarely met a man or woman
who regarded it possible for young men and women to be with
safety in the same school. But the testimonies which I have heard
from places where co-education has been tried in this country are
almost uniformly in its favor. ... If it shall prove that it is safe,
and that sentiments of delicacy and mutual respect are developed
by such social intercourse, it will be a glorious thing. There are
no other considerations which seem to me to stand in the way of
co-education. For, as to alleged differences in physical and intel-
lectual strength, there are differences enough now between the
strongest and brightest boys, and the dullest and weakest, to in-
clude in their range the whole question of girls. And, with the
elective system now coming more and more into use in our col-
leges, there could be no serious difficulty in such adaptations of
studies, as the difference of taste and aim might require. At any
rate, the movement towards insuring for girls a higher education,
seems to me one of the most important ones now attracting public
attention.
" Every school committee ought to consist in part of ladies. I
do not say it in any special advocacy of woman's rights, but only
with a view to secure for the management and oversight of our
schools the best services we can command. And it seems to me
hardly to need arguing, that woman, by reason of her understand-
ing of children, her tact, her quickness of observation, and readi-
ness to set things right, and her willingness to devote time to such
objects as these, is so admirably fitted for this work of our school
committees, that it is worth our best effort to have a certain pro-
portion of her sex on every school-board. ' '
In regard to the question of woman suffrage, he was for
a time undecided. He had had his doubts, even about
universal suffrage as carried out in this country. But we
found one da}* some papers on this subject in a little memo-
randa-box, which appeared to have been written the last
year of his life. "We are sorry that these fragments are
lost ; but, as we recall them, he expresses his feeling that
nothing short of the vote of the whole people can ever give
perfect equality. The minimum requirements of education,
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS.
^ 8 be evaded or counterfeited ;
and the ballot is in itself the best education. Ravin* become
convinced of this, he is easily led to see that there is no rea-
son why woman should not have the ballot if she wishes for
it, and that justice demands that she should have it in due
time.
In speaking of moral and religious influence, he mentions
a law on our statute-book, which he wonders how many peo-
ple know is there, or think of regarding. He gives it in
full. The substance of it is, that it shall be the duty of
instructors to impress upon the young mind the principles
of piety and justice, a sacred regard for truth, love of their
country, sobriety, industry, benevolence, etc., as the basis
of a republican government, the security of liberty and
their present and future happiness, and also to point out the
evils of the opposite tendency to vices."
" There is an effective mode of influence, which, with all the
sensitiveness about reading the Bible in the morning, I fear we are
neglecting. It is that influence which a good, judicious teacher is
all the time exerting in her intercourse with the pupils, and for
which the discipline of a school gives occasion almost every moment
of the day, and which makes the difference between one who is com-
petent to exert it, and one who is not, a matter of the utmost
importance. I am afraid, that, with most school committees, it is
hardly thought of, and that, in their examinations of teachers, anj
such qualification, or the lack of it, would weigh very little com-
pared with a sufficient knowledge of arithmetic and a good style of
reading. I am afraid, from what I hear of the methods of pun-
ishment in some schools, the children who do wrong are, very
likely, merely broken in, instead of being so dealt with as to
soften their wilfulness, and substitute for their bad tendencies a
love of right. I believe, that, in the higher stages of education
also, the value of morality, and of social and political well-being,
ought to be a carefully taught branch of instruction. And, in
view of this, I feel that the admirable book on moral philosophy
prepared for colleges by Dr. A. P. Peabody, is most valuable; and,
if rightly taught, it can be made an exceedingly interesting study,
and may plant enduring lessons of duty and responsibility."
556 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
He speaks about the value of our public schools compared
with private ones ; then of industrial training, and other
practical acquirements. Here are some thoughts which
apply to educated men :
" One of the uses of liberal education is, to enable the educated
man to hold a place of influence. We want the best culture to
have its proper part in the guidance of our institutions and affairs.
But how often do we see in our public meetings persons of the
highest education and best judgment, simply from lack of train-
ing, unable to express themselves well before an audience. They
often appear at great disadvantage, and wholly overridden by other
and inferior men, who have this kind of ability, and make them-
selves heard and followed. Some persons as, for instance, a dis-
tinguished professor of my acquaintance at Cambridge seem to
fancy, because they see this gift of utterance so often associated
with shallowness and untrustworthiness of character, that it is
something to be despised, and are disposed to neglect it as an ac-
companiment of superficiality. But they might reject any of the
best gifts of God because the Devil uses them. The Devil is wise
enough to know what is desirable ; and the saints would do well
to watch his selection, and take pattern from him. It is on the
face of it a mistake to refuse to cultivate a faculty like this of
effective speaking, which is certainly one of the most valuable,
especially in a republic like ours, and contributes most to that in-
fluence in affairs which is a worthy ambition for every educated
man."
This essay is not put together as his papers usually are,
and it is possible that there was another more complete
manuscript. We observe, moreover, that he does not make
assertions, lay down premises, and prompt action upon
them, as was his custom usually in his sermons. He is, in
a measure, feeling his way along, opening up questions for
discussion which he declares himself not competent to settle,
and for which he wanted the combined opinion of his brother
ministers in that local association, whose judgment he held
in great respect. Many of these questions have already
been answered, by improved methods of education brought
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS.
about perhaps by some of those very men who combed
that association. Other questions are still as fresh and
imperative as then, -as, for instance, the relation of science
o general education, moral influence in schools, and the
necessity of better training in public speaking, the use of
the English language, and the art of easy and elegant dis-
cussion. We have therefore thought it worth while to give
more lengthy extracts from this paper, especially as it has a
peculiar interest for us as being his last public address.
Here are some denominational reflections on his European
experience :
"Intercourse with people of other sects, and opportunities of
observing what is being thought and done in other branches of the
Christian church, have tended to broaden my sympathies, and in-
crease my yearning for wider fellowship, and remove any mere
denominational ambitions.
" I find in all the sects some who are conscious of the errors of
their creed or policy, and in their own way, and according to their
own opportunities and position, are laboring to remove them,
while, at the same time, they are working against other errors, or
in defence of certain truths, more effectually than we in our posi-
tion could do; and the mere fact of their not being of our name,
does not prevent me from recognizing and rejoicing in the measure
of unity which unites them.
" I rejoice in the broad minds and large hearts among orthodox
sects, even if there is still much in their conception of Christianity
which I feel bound earnestly to oppose- The fact that our knowl-
edge is finite makes these differences inevitable, and by this oppo-
sition and discussion we approach the truth. And, on the other
hand, I can rejoice in their help to oppose those equally pernicious
errors which free inquiry has made so rife in our day. I can
also feel a sympathy and grateful recognition for those radical
thinkers, whom, on some points, I would earnestly oppose; for I
find that they develop some neglected elements of religious in-
quiry, and root out, though sometimes ruthlessly, corrupting mat-
ter long bedded in the popular theology, which perhaps, after all,
needs such rough instrumentality. It will not be regarded as
inconsistent, if, while opposing with all our might what we hold
558 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
to be their false position and methods, and while doing our best
to heal the sores their violent surgery has wrought, we still try to
keep our minds open to points of agreement, and do our best to
preserve bonds of fellowship."
If we are for a moment led to think he is indifferent
to the growth or existence of his own denomination, when
he says above that he is losing mere denominational ambi-
tions, we shall observe that that word mere brings us back.
He believes that those who are truly sympathetic with other
churches, are the ones generally who have the most affection
for their own church. See how he finishes :
" All the while, this constant largeness of sympathy need not
make us dissolve ourselves in great generalities of sentimental sym-
pathy, or prevent our energetic concentration on specific work
given us to do. I believe the mission of the Unitarian denomina-
tion is not yet ended, but has only come to the period of its best
opportunity; that the growing recognition of its essential princi-
ples iu all other sects does not destroy need of organized activity
such as can only be exerted by having the denomination devoted dis-
tinctively to their advocacy."
We have ourselves italicized these closing words ; because
they show, that, with all the largeness of fellowship that had
grown upon him in his travels, he still believed in the old
ship, held on to her colors, and meant to work for her to
the last.
We find a few scraps headed "On Return to America."
He begins,
" I have no more question that some form of liberal Christianity
is the true religion for humanity, than that the true form of gov-
ernment is the government of the people by the people. When the
war of Rebellion came, Europe was ready to cry out, ' I told you
so.' But it is ordained of God, that this government shall be the
order of the highest civilized society: our example is the most pow-
erful stimulus to the Old World. Our denomination bears the
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS. 559
* f
our
H
elves ,T
t ict f " ' D0 maer o*
ict may be our notions of non-intervention, or how severe their
cts of proscription: no matter what name new sects and theories
may be called, liberal Christianity is prevailing, as surely as the
inevitable progress of events.
" Now, I know not how much in future this liberal Christianity
may connect itself with us. Certain it is, that our distinct sue-
cess at present is nothing, as showing our power, compared with
its silent influence. This success may yet be ours, if we can show
by our own example that it is possible to have, without tyranny
of creed and priest, true fellowship and communion, and, with
perfect freedom of belief, pious sentiments, and religion in heart
and life."
It appears as though the above might be notes of a speech
for the convention of 1874, which he was not permitted to
attend. Here are some more minutes :
" Speak of the great uses of this convention. Consolidation
first, accretion afterwards. People anxious because we are few in
numbers. This does not trouble me, but I see expectation of in-
crease. The Unitarian denomination shows the possibility of
making real a powerful and stable church on the basis of the
utmost freedom of religious belief, true fellowship and sympathy
amidst differences of sentiment and doctrine, a unity and effi-
ciency of action with generous toleration.
"A convention like ours, of delegates from every section and
every church, freely as the choice can be made, can meet and talk
together, and go home, undivided by wrangling words, all united
in bonds of fellowship."
Here he seems to be reflecting on the importance of in-
formal meetings for discussion as follows : " Show how such
gatherings have been used as means of culture and useful
spread of knowledge and thought in different times. In
Athens, the Academy, where they conversed of the gods, of
the soul, of nature, of eternal mysteries, every citizen, even
560 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
if he was in rags, could sit by the side of the philosopher,
and join in the discussion. So in Florence, in that brilliant
period of the Renaissance, there were conversational circles,
though of a somewhat different sort. Here rich and privi-
leged citizens sat at table in the magnificent gardens, and
talked of history and politics. Machiavelli presided ; and
around him were distinguished Italians, who conversed of
the ancient grandeur of Italy, and of its present decline,
and its new hopes. Out of the inspiration of these talks,
Machiavelli composed his best books." Here are a few
reflections on charities :
" Charities. I want to find the proper means to avoid the evils
of injudicious giving and dishonest begging, and, on the other
hand, the quite as great evil of making mere public and official
the great brotherly service, which is one of the best and most
needed of disciplines for the heart.
" It is doubtless wise to counsel never to give money at the door
to unknown suppliants; but what a result sometimes comes ! To
those lacking in sympathy and generosity, it is an excuse, which
you find them very ready to use for neglect of the needy. It is pain-
ful to hear many blinding their own consciences, and influencing
others' judgments, by advocating, on the high ground of philan-
thropy, the refusal to give to beggars, and neglecting to show a true
fellow-feeling for the poor in any better way.
" With so many distracting interests, the best of us need remind-
ers; and it would be a loss if by any machinery, however excel-
lent, the sight of distress is kept away from us with its appeals to
our human sympathies, and its stern and imperative summoning of
us to active and self-sacrificing service. Better, perhaps, that not
only a vast deal be wasted, but even that some vagrants be tol-
erated, rather than to cut off from the prosperous majority the
individual contact with suffering, which furnishes some of the
richest discipline of life. . . . There is great danger, too, that
public charities will be mixed up with politics."
Not long after his return from Europe, he received an
invitation from the First Parish in Cambridge, Mass., to
supply their pulpit for six months, preaching as often as he
ADDRESSES AND PAPERS. 561
was able. We find the letter from the standing committee.
Here was a temptation opening before him at once. We do
not find his answer ; but he probably declined the invitation
with great reluctance, as this parish always had great attrac-
tions for him. Another overture also comes from the trustees
of Antioch College, who unanimously elected him president
of that institution. A special committee, of which Dr. Bel-
lows was the chairman, was appointed to confer with him ;
and he was strongly urged to accept the situation by the
committee and many of his brother ministers. Dr. Bellows
writes very cordial letters to him about it, advising him on
grounds of health, as well as other important reasons, to
accept ; and Dr. Eliot of St. Louis speaks warmly of the
choice of the trustees.
We find a copy of Mr. Lowe's letter, declining the invita-
tion with many expressions of gratitude for the compliment
they have paid him in wishing to put him at this post. He
does not give his reasons. He was influenced b} - a variety
of motives. His health was, of course, one great considera-
tion. He had not so much faith in a change of climate. He
had seen cases of professional men, invalids, his own friends,
breaking up their homes and early associations, and going
West to die. He believed the West was for strong young
men, whose career was all before them, but that middle-aged
men generally regretted an uprooting of old associations,
and wished themselves back in New England. Moreover,
he had a work in his mind, which, if the public approved, he
thought might be better suited to his taste and health, and
useful to the denomination.
Dr. Bellows writes in a cordial but regretful way, saying
that they are all much disappointed, but are willing to believe
that his decision is a conscientious one, much as they regret
it. The doctor adds some kind words in regard to their
mutual relations. He says, "Thank you for your kind
recognition of the satisfactoriness of our co-operation in all
562 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
denominational and other work. I think people who are
both aiming in the spirit of true faith and love at any com-
mon end, cannot well disagree in any vital way. I rejoice
that we have learned by long and close experience to trust
each other's motives, and not to distrust each other's judg-
ment."
CHAPTER XLVII.
THE NEW "REVIEW."
1873-J874.
His Proposals to the American Unitarian Association. - Letter
to Mr. A. T. Lyman. Mr. Lowe's Election on the Board of the
American Unitarian Association. "Review " decided upon.
He asks Co-operation everywhere. Cordiality of the Minis-
ters. Dr. Walker's Letter. Official Vote of the American
Unitarian Association to aid the " Review." His Ardor in
the Work. Pull-backs. Up again. First Number of "Re-
view " out in March, 1874. His Editorial Prospectus. Table
of Contents. The Unitarian Name. Outside Criticism.
April Number of "Review." List of Articles. Comments.
May Number. Contents. General Choice of Articles, and
Systematic Care of the Work.
WE have spoken of another work which Mr. Lowe had
in view. This was the starting of a new theological
review, or the remaking of "The Monthly Religious Maga-
zine " into something of this nature. His brethren generally
agreed with him, that something was needed more denomina-
tional than "Old and New," and larger in its scope than
" The Monthly Religious Magazine." We find letters from
many ministers and laymen, whom he had evidently con-
sulted. These gentlemen all felt interested in the move-
ment, but there was a difference of opinion. Some thought
it would be impossible to get the lay-people to take any inter-
est in a theological review : others thought "The Monthly
Magazine " could not be combined with such a review. Mr.
Bowles, the proprietor, was an elderly man. He had his
own methods of action. He was not able to pay for articles ;
564 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
and yet articles must be paid for, in order to secure the best
talent. We find letters from Mr. Bowles, written with a feeble
hand, showing his desire to come to some arrangement with
Mr. Lowe. Mr. Lowe's patience was inexhaustible, and his
courage unquenched. He was not decided in his own mind ;
but he continued to discuss the matter with all whose opinion
he valued, and to negotiate with Mr. Bowles. He did not wish
to injure the monthly magazine by starting another, and at
the same time he did not see how he could come to terms
with Mr. Bowles. So he revolved the matter in his mind all
the early part of the winter. It wore upon him, but he
could not let it go. He talked with the Association, but it
was a little lukewarm. His friend, Mr. Arthur T. Lyman,
always lent a willing ear ; and here is a letter which he wrote
to this gentleman about this time, showing what his plans
were. We quote a part of it :
" Your cordial interest in this matter encourages me in the feel-
ing I have had about the possible usefulness of the periodical, if
we can get it into the control of those who will care only for the
good they can do with it.
"I wish that a few such ladies as Miss A. Lowell, and such men
as Mr. Shattuck among the laymen, and the best of our ministers,
would, either by joint ownership or by invitation, be induced to
take some special interest in the direction of it. Suppose, for
instance, that every month, after the issue of a number, they
should meet to discuss it, and to make suggestions as to topics to
be written on, and writers to be solicited. Would it not be a way
of making the culture and the religious and moral life of this class,
exert an influence, in an important way, upon our denomination,
and upon American life and thought, so far as in our modest plan
we might hope to affect it? When I consider the looseness of
thought and feeling which characterizes much of the liberal ten-
dency everywhere, I feel that this kind of influence is what is needed.
I wish that in Boston we might help bring back that state of things,
when our most eminent jurists and merchants, not only professed
Unitarian belief, but exercised a more active and marked control
over it than they are doing now. The success of the Radical Club,
THE NEW "REVIEW." 565
and the great help which those social meetings and discussion
have given to the radical movement, is an indication of the kind
of influence which in an indirect way might be exercised by such
a circle as we could easily collect about our Review ' in these
monthly discussions."
This idea of a Unitarian club, composed of men and
women, the " Review " being the nucleus around which the
organization should centre, a club, meeting in the daytime,
without any of the enticements of dinners or suppers, purely
for intellectual and religious conversation, like the able
Chestnut-street Club, was often talked over at home.
Perhaps, if he had lived, he would have brought about its
existence.
He does not forget, in the midst of his projects for the
" Review," his missionary habits. We find him correspond-
ing with a friend about Professor Bracciforti of Milan, whose
Unitarian friends in England were making a collection to
help him carry on his good work in Italy. Then comes a
letter from Mrs. Anna Richmond, sending him two hundred
dollars from herself and daughter, beginning in this way :
"Believing that one earnest man can often do more than a
whole society, and having entire confidence in your judg-
ment," etc. After this we find a letter from Mr. Spears,
the energetic and disinterested secretary of our English Uni-
tarian friends, thanking Mr. Lowe and the donor for this
sum of money.
On Nov. 11 he received a cordial letter from Mr. Shippen,
announcing that he was unanimously elected to fill a vacancy
on the board of the executive committee of the American
Unitarian Association. This invitation was accepted, on his
part, with as much cordiality as it was given. We find a
file of letters showing the activity with which he prosecuted
his purpose in regard to the new " Review." They are from
ministers and laymen, and they enable us to see how he
left no stone unturned when he had any project in his mind.
566 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
After innumerable talks with ministers and with the Associa-
tion, and with Mr. Bowles the proprietor of " The Monthly
Religious Magazine," he came to terms with that gentleman,
and decided to enlarge this magazine, and make it serve his
purpose ; thus virtually starting a new periodical, and yet not
injuring the old one, but extending its circulation and use-
fulness. It was a difficult thing to do. The former editors
were perfectly cordial to his movement. Their work had
been mostly a labor of love, and they were glad to be
released from its cares. With the elderly proprietor, it was
different. The magazine had been his life-work ; he could
not be expected to change his methods : and yet Mr. Lowe
must be, as far as possible, independent of him. It was
finally decided, that Mr. Lowe should have his own list of
new subscribers, retaining the profits for the necessary ex-
penses ; and the Association agreed to take a certain num-
ber of copies for free circulation, thus paying into Mr. Lowe's
hands for these copies a sufficient amount to enable him to
offer a fair sum for articles, and leave a small perquisite
for the editor. This sum left over, however, was so small,
that no editor would have undertaken the work with any
thought of profit to himself. Mr. Lowe felt grateful to the
Association that they were willing to help in this way, and
all he wanted was to see the " Review " succeed.
Midwinter had come on. He was always better in health
then. He was once more in the harness of work, after a
long season of comparative idleness. He was in his ele-
ment again. Everybody now seemed willing to help him.
When a man has a project, he is the one to decide to push
it. Friends may advise, approve ; but he must take the
responsibility of deciding whether to undertake it, or not.
That he had done. The worst was over. Now all the winds
of heaven were to be in his favor. The ministers write
that the " Review " is just what they need ; and they scatter
promptly his circulars among their people, and send him lists
of subscribers. Laymen and women write, giving their
THE NEW "REVIEW." 557
names ; and every letter has a personal warmth about it,
ihowmg something quite different from the mere periodical
subscriber. He wanted everybody to feel, that, in taking
the " Review," they were doing something more than ad-
vancing their own self-culture : they were enlarging the work
of our church by calling out the best talent, and spreading
its results through the country. No place escaped bis eye ?
Every outpost or college-town where we had a scholarly or
earnest man was awakened for subscribers or contributors.
Professor Brigham of Ann Arbor offers to work for the cir-
culation of the " Review," and on its pages. Dr. Stebbins
of Ithaca is ready to lend a hand, and Dr. Hill also, and
Dr. Peabody. Professor Ezra Abbott and Professor Everett
are ready to co-operate. Dr. Morison, Dr. Hall, and Drs.
G. E. and R. Ellis are willing to help. Mr. Ames of Cali-
fornia, Mr. Putnam and Mr. Chadwick of Brooklyn, have
good cheer in their letters, and names of subscribers. Dr.
Bellows is cordial, as he always was ; and the venerable Dr.
Dewey sends already an article. As soon as the first number
was out, the editor, through the generosity of the Association,
not only got it into all important libraries and university
towns, but into every corner of Europe where there was a
nucleus of liberal thought discovered by him in his year and
a half abroad : and we find letters from these Continental
men, professors and pastors, expressing their interest, and
desire to reciprocate ; and also from Messrs. Spears, Beard,
Vance Smith, etc., in England, welcoming the movement.
We find, also, more letters from our younger ministers,
Staples, Ware, Batcheler, Buckingham, Young, Foote. Still
another file of letters we discover from j'oung and elderly
men, De Normandie, Learned, Collyer, Woodbury, R.
Bellows, President Livermore, Dr. Hedge, Dr. Bartol,
Dr. Osgood ; and from laymen, Mr. Lyman, Mr. Shattuck,
Mr. D. B. Eaton. We mention these names, because these
letters are replies to all his letters ; and the}' show his great
activity when he had any thing on foot, and the disposition
568 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
also of our ministers and laymen to co-operate with him.
Dr. Peabody writes, " I will help you with all my heart, for
love of you and the cause." Other denominations are inter-
ested. Professor Diman of Providence writes words of
cordiality. Dr. Walker makes some suggestions which Mr.
Lowe valued much, and which we cop} 7 here, as they may be
worth the consideration of future editors of the " Review."
"He says it is not advisable to try to make 'The Religious
Monthly ' in all respects to meet the wants of a theological review.
It has its history and men and place. But it could be so im-
proved, as, without losing this, it might fairly serve the other pur-
pose till such a periodical is established. He would have very
few sermons, not more than one in a number if possible; short
articles, and especially on facts; information in regard to religion
in Germany, Holland, France; reviews of books; articles on prac-
tical subjects, not mere goody articles, but articles carefully and
clearly written. He thinks real genius is required to write valu-
able and readable articles on such subjects. He refers to the old
' Religious Repository,' as in its day acceptable, aiming to give the
best kind of information."
Some of these suggestions were applicable to the ' ' Re-
view" in its transitional state, passing from one periodical
to another ; but others have a permanent value, we think.
Mr. Lowe received in February, through a cordial note
from Mr. Shippen, the official announcement of the vote of
the Association in regard to the pecuniary support of the
" Review," and their friendly desire to aid him in any other
way if possible. He received a note, also, from the clerk of
the city council, saying that he was chosen one of the trus-
tees of the Public Library of Boston.
There was evidently plenty of work in the world for him to
do if he only had the bodily strength. But his whole mind
and heart were now on his "Review," and he was eager as a
boy with his new enterprise. He did not over-work, because
his time was all his own : the hour of uncertainty had gone
by. He had put his hand to the plough, and there was no
TEE NEW " REVIEW." 569
looking backward. Sometimes he would have a pull-back,
and would have to lie on the lounge in his study for a day.
At night he would say, If I had nothing to do, I suppose I
could be pretty sick for a day or two more ; but I am going
to try writing a little ; " and so he did, and would "sleep
better for it.
The first number of the "Review" appeared in March,
1874, under the title of "The Unitarian Review and Reli-
gious Magazine." In his Editorial Prospectus, he addresses
first the old subscribers of "The Religious Magazine," some
of whom had been its patrons for thirty years, and explains
how the friends of the magazine thought it the wisest course
to enlarge this periodical rather than to start a separate
review. They should endeavor to retain some of the familiar
features of the magazine, and trusted that " The Unitarian
Review" would be no unworthy successor. They should
have in each number one sermon ; and they make one espe-
cial point, that these sermons shall not be discussions of
points in theology or philosophy. Such discussions they
should prefer in the form of carefully prepared articles. In
the sermons they should look for the most effective presenta-
tions of religious truth and appeal in the various methods
in which different preachers excel ; so that, in this depart-
ment, they might have a collection of noteworthy specimens
of the modern Christian pulpit. Their great effort would,
however, be, to make the periodical a thoroughly able theo-
logical review, that should represent the best learning and
culture of the time, as applied to the questions of Chris-
tian theology. He therefore calls upon all our best writers
and thinkers to co-operate with him. Some scholars may
object to sending carefully prepared articles to a periodical
which does not claim to be exclusively a theological or phi-
losophical journal. In answer to this, he can show instances
enough in the history of literature, to prove that excellence
will be discovered, whatever be the place where it is habitu-
ally found. He mentions Sainte-Beuve's remarkable essays,
570 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
"Monday's Talk," furnished to a daily paper in Paris.
Everybody was eager to get hold of that Monday-morning
paper, to see the best discussion of literature, art, and phi-
losophy. He quotes other instances in this country, and
says, that, if they can give the assurance that every number
will contain one or more articles that every thinker will want
to read, he believed those readers would not be deterred
from seeking the "Review" because the rest of the space
was given up to articles not unworthy to be associated
with them, but of a different character and aim. As to the
theological position of the " Review," he says,
" It will aim to carry out the thoroughly liberal principles which
have always characterized the Unitarian body, but it will be de-
cidedly and unequivocally on the Christian basis. It will aim at
building up, rather than pulling down, the structure of Christian
faith. We shall not consider ourselves bound to publish crude
doubts and theories, merely because they are sincere: these steps in
the progress of an individual mind, however necessary and deserv-
ing of respect, are not so likely to afford help to others who may
be in a similar condition, as to unsettle those who have not expe-
rienced them. But, within the limits of Christian belief, we shall
encourage honest inquiry, and the honest expression of any matured
conviction. We hope, also, to promote an acquaintance with the
various activities of the Unitarian denomination, and all matters
of social life and progress, suited to the representative organ of a
religious body."
The leading article of this first number is a profound one
on "Mysticism," by Professor C. C. Everett. Then conies
an able one by Dr. Thomas Hill, on " Symmetry in Space."
Next follows one by the editor, on " The Unitarian Name."
Then an article on the "Two Great Problems of Unitarian
Christianity," by Rev. J. B. Green. A " Review of the
Memoirs of Count de Montalembert," by Mrs. M. P. Lowe.
Next a valuable sermon, by Rev. E. H. Sears, on "Read-
ing." A warm tribute to the memory of Miss Rebecca
THE NEW "REVIEW."
Amory Lowell, by the editor. An address by Rev. E E
Hale, on the " Relations of Unitarians to the Church Uni-
versal." The Editor's Note-book, foreign items, home
ems, and correspondence, and reports of conferences, and
reviews of current literature, take up thirty-two pages, -
a good share of a periodical which occupied in all "only a
hundred pages. We must quote from -his article in the last
part on " The Unitarian Name : "
"In adopting the title Unitarian Review,' we have gone against
the advice of some whose judgment we respect so much, that we
feel called upon to give some explanation of our reasons. Our first
reason is, that this name answers the purpose and the place which
we intended the Review ' should occupy. We wish to make it a
representative of the thought and life of the Unitarian branch of
the Christian church; and, in the multiplicity of excellent periodi-
cals, this journal would have no right to exist, if it had not a place
which no other attempted to fill. The first objection made is,
that this would prevent a wide circulation outside our own body.
But our leading Unitarian writers are contributing to popular
journals of other denominations; and the magazine ' Old and New,'
established on this plan of carrying our liberal views far and wide,
still exists to do this work. The only raison-d' etre is in attempting
a different plan. We have talked enough, perhaps, about leavening
other denominations. Let us now unify and energize our own.
What we may lose in diffusiveness we gain in concentrativeness.
We are glad that our Unitarian writers swell the liberalizing in-
fluence in all kinds of literature, but we want also the force that
comes from their being the opinion of a body of Chrittian thinkers.
Some said there was a prejudice against the Unitarian name. Let
our friends try to do such prejudice away by connecting with the
name Unitarian the best fruit of their own thought and life. This
name does not destroy our catholicity of spirit. We know there are
individuals in other churches as liberal as we, but there is no other
organization whose professed principles so encourage the liberal
Christian spirit as our own. We remember Dr. Hitchcock as say-
ing, at the Evangelical Alliance, ' Each sect has its own errand.
The doctrines are not yet settled. I prefer my own communion,
or I would leave it for another. But God forgive me if I ever
572 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
looked, or shall look, into any Christian face, without finding in it
something of the old family look! '
' ' In answer to the charge that the word Unitarian does not ade-
quately express the position of our denomination, we ask if a
name ever does completely describe the thing it is chosen to rep-
resent? Is Protestantism the best name to designate the move-
ment for which it stands ? A name often originates in some
historical incident, and sometimes imperfectly describes its object;
so that we instinctively come to disregard etymology, and allow
a name to represent for us that with which it has become asso-
ciated. The word Unitarian has attached itself to a distinct sys-
tem of Christian faith, which has its organized activities and its
well-recognized place among the religious systems of Christendom.
We cannot wipe it out, if we would, from the history of religious
progress.
" Some friends, on the other hand, wish to have the word Chris-
tian attached to Unitarian. This word is larger and better than
Unitarian, but it needs not to be repeated. Unitarian means
' Unitarian Christian ' as much as ' Baptist ' means ' Baptist Chris-
tian,' or Orthodox ' Orthodox Christian.' The word Christian has
been identified with the denomination by all its acts and dec-
larations, as well as by the tacit assumptions of its members.
Sometimes, because ' blood is thicker than water,' our feelings of
personal attachment for those whom we hold in close regard, has
made us all glad, if possible, to avoid any exaction of our condi-
tions of fellowship on those who can no longer call themselves by
the Christian name; and this has, perhaps, sometimes given us an
appearance of looseness. But it will be noticed, that, after the point
has been- actually raised, even those who argue against any need
of the withdrawal of these brethren from fellowship, do so only on
the ground that the persons named have not really abandoned
Christianity, but only some notions of Christianity which they
feared were inevitably implied in the name.
" In regard to the name Unitarian, we would willingly consent
to abandon it, and the organization it denotes, whenever this shall
be desirable, either for a better progress towards truth, or for the
sake of a greater unity of the Christian world; but meantime,
while there still appears to be a need for the service of this de-
nomination as a member of the Christian body, with a distinct
work of its own, we rejoice in a name which has gathered around
itself such memories and associations."
THE NEW "REVIEW." 573
This article, as well as his "Prospectus," created some
criticism. We find two letters, and one of his in return
which show it. The first of these writers is doing all he can
to get subscribers for the " Review," and therefore he is far
from unfriendly. He objects to what Mr. Lowe writes in his
"Prospectus" about "encouraging honest inquiry within
the limits of Christian belief."
Mr. Lowe begins his answer by thanking the writer for
his list of subscribers, and also for his letter, which he says
excites in him " a little good-natured antagonism, but more
of spiritual quickening and aspiration." He says,
" I am so constituted that I have to plod on to the truth in the
trodden ways; while you are so restive and buoyant and winged,
that you have to jump over fences, and go across lots, and get there
first. But I am not sure that my way has not some advantages;
for you, in your eagerness to get there, may have to trample over
people's sown ground and garden-patches, and do some mischief
that you don't intend. . . .
"This matter of the Christian name I cannot think 'a petty
mannerism.' It is to charge the large part of the best men and
women in Christendom with hypocrisy and falsehood, to imply
that there does not exist, deep down in their hearts, among the very
strongest of all their sentiments, a profound reverence for Christ
and his teachings, which makes this name sacredly dear to them.
Some of those who hold it may connect with the idea of Chris-
tianity notions that you may regard as superstitious and wrong;
but the great mass do not feel, that, on this account, they should be
forced to abandon it: and, if there is tyranny and assumption any-
where, it seems to me to be with those who demand that these
shall do so. ... In regard to my rejection of ' crude ' articles, I
certainly did not mean to imply that persons who hold the views
you speak of are any more likely to be ' crude ' than those who
stand on professed Christian ground; and, if I conveyed that
idea to you, I have done myself great injustice. . . . But I think
you must agree with me in thinking that there is a state of fer-
ment likely to attend a certain phase of mental development in the
process of changing sentiment, which leads men, in the first adop-
tion of new views, to effervesce with a good deal of what, however
574 ME1IOIE OF CHARLES LOWE.
worthy of respect, is not especially helpful as a contribution to
religious thought and life. As to my keeping ' within the Chris-
tian limits,' it seems to me that every such periodical ought to
have some distinctive place. ... I am going to spare no pains in
stirring up our best men to do their best in preparing articles for
the ' Review, ' so as to win influence and respect. ... If you
won't persist (out of some feeling that the word Christian means
Calvinism or hypocrisy) in putting at the head of your article a sign
that you are ' outside of Christianity,' I believe there will be a cor-
dial recognition of and waiting for such sincere and real utterances
as you have to give. ... I want to show that true Christianity is
broad, and that men widely apart may feel that this common
ground gives them room for the fullest liberty, except when they
drive themselves apart by unprofitable disputes. I shall try to get
a large diversity of views represented, and yet with as little as
may be of a character to wound the sensibilities on either
side." . . .
A second writer, on the other hand, wishes to have the
word Christian substituted for Unitarian on the titlepage.
We do not find his reply to this letter. He probably had
some other letters of the nature of these two, but he had
already answered this question. We think the denomina-
tion generally accepted this title to the " Review" as a most
natural one, and his polic}" as that most suited to the genius
and spirit of liberal Christianity.
The April number of the ' ' Review ' ' opens with an arti-
cle on the "Religious Views of John Stuart Mill," by Mr.
H. Ireson of England. Next comes the "Centenary of
Unitarianism in England," by Professor Brigham ; "A
Glance at Abbotsford and Dry burg," by President Liver-
more of Meadville ; " Symmetry in Time," by Dr. Hill ;
"A Sermon on Charles Sumner," by Dr. Morison ; an
article by the editor, on "Mary Somerville ; " "Personal
Recollections of Dr. Channing," by Mr. Muzzey ; "Morn-
ing Hours with the Bible," by M. P. L. The Editor's
Note-book takes up about twenty-one pages, and is full of
interesting matter from home and abroad. In his home-
THE NEW "REVIEW." 575
notes of denominational life, he says he does not propose
to give full reports of the meetings of the local conferences,
but rather to touch upon their common action, show their
independence of the Association, and yet their loyalty to it,
and their great helpfulness. Sometimes, he says, these con-
ferences confined themselves principally to missionary work
in their own limits, leaving it to the individual churches to
raise the contributions for the American Unitarian Associa-
tion ; but in other cases the conferences had undertaken this
whole work among the churches with good results. His for-
eign news contains short extracts, and full comments of his
own to impart life to them.
We observe in all the articles in these numbers, some-
thing that attracts the eye at once, even in the leading ones,
or those of the most solid nature. He knew that we must
attract before we can convince, and that an article is no less
profound in its scope because it is interesting ; and so he
aimed at graphic subjects : and the contributors whom he
solicited co-operated with him, and threw a personal or emo-
tional life into the most grave subjects, thus relieving the
pages of the " Review " from the charge of heaviness ; and
yet such was his earnestness of purpose, that, in the midst
of the various criticisms upon the "Review" when it came
out, he said he would rather it should be called too solid
than too light, dull rather than superficial.
The May number opens with an article by Dr. G. Vance
Smith of England, on " The Known and the Unknown ia
the Divine Nature;" next "Origin of Hymns," by Dr.
A. P. Putnam; next "Number," by Dr. Thomas Hill;
then a review, by the editor, of Dr. Bartol's discourses,
called " The Rising Faith." He intended to have a sub-
stantial review of some valuable book in every number, thus
justifying the title of his periodical. Next the sermon about
children, by Rev. A. D. Mayo, called " How to Kindle the
Fire ; " and " Morning Hours with the Bible," by M. P. L.
The Editor's Note-book occupies just about the same num-
576 MEMOIR OF CHAELES LOWE.
ber of pages ; that is, twenty-one. Here he writes and
quotes on the subject of Industrial Training, which had been
occupying his mind a good deal since he came home. He
speaks of the colored people at the South, the Greek Church
abroad, the French Catholics, Professor Bracciforti of Milan,
etc. The book-table, about seventeen pages, is full and
valuable. Part of it he writes himself, and part is furnished
by efficient outside assistants.
He was ver}- regular and systematic in what he called the
"make-up" of the "Review," keeping, as we have seen,
about the same number of pages for certain departments,
and being careful not to waste any space. He also arranged
his articles, and his original and quoted matter, so as to
relieve the mind of the reader. He was careful to record
all books not noticed, and never allowed any pamphlets to
pass without examination. He had great confidence in his
printer and proofreader, but still his eye was constantly on
the work when the " Review " went to press.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE END.
1874.
Failing Health.- Anniversaries. -Year-Book Controversy -
Mr. Lowe's Resolution. -Physical Exhaustion. - June Num-
>r of "Re view. "-Drive to Swampscott on Saturday. - En-
joyment of the Sea. - Hemorrhage on Sunday Night. -Fresh
Attacks. -His "Review." -Longing to Work. - Growing
Weaker. -A Severe Hemorrhage. -Great Exhaustion. -Will-
ingness to die. -Freedom from Pain. -Joyful Day. -Tender
Messages. - Peaceful Night. - Saturday. - Longing to depart.
-Spasms for Breath. - Intervals of Repose. - Joins In the
Chant, "The Lord is My Shepherd." -Passes away at four
o'clock Saturday Afternoon, June 20, 1874.
E June " Review" has a sad interest for us, as being
the last number that he was permitted to conduct.
He had been buoyed up in health and spirits all winter
by his intense interest and pleasure in the " Review," and
its kind reception by the public. But the old spring exhaus-
tion had begun to creep over him. When urged to go South,
he would say that he would start when he had got his next
number out ; but it was a great effort for him to go away :
his work was his life, and nothing short of a very warm
climate could be attractive at that season of the year; so
he kept on. He had been spending a few weeks in the
city with his wife and children, to avoid the cold rides back
and forth in the spring months. He had profited at first
by the change ; but in May he showed signs of loss of vigor,
578 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
and was persuaded to go to New York for a change, with
the hope that he might be willing to continue farther South.
He was never contented long away from his home, and so
he soon came back without much benefit : the city now
wearied him, and the family returned to their country home.
For a few days the pure, free air seemed to invigorate him ;
but the damp da}-s returned, his appetite failed, and a low
fever settled in his system. He kept about, but his spirits
were depressed by this condition of languor and debility.
The usual absence of fever, and a small but regular appe-
tite, were always favorable symptoms in his condition ; and
he coughed little, except at morning and night, being never
kept awake by a cough. This temperament had led his
friends to be hopeful that he might live a good many more
j-ears, and work moderately. But now all seemed changed.
Nothing could animate him.
The time of the anniversaries was approaching. When
urged to go away, he said, " I must wait until they are over."
He had nothing special to do in the meetings ; he had no
responsibilities : but such was his attachment to the cause,
that he could not think of running away from them.
There was, however, one matter, in connection with the
Year-book of the Association, which troubled him ; and we
must therefore touch upon it here.
Some of the most conscientious officers of the Association,
in making up the list of Unitarian ministers, had written to
a valued man in the denomination, who had expressed him-
self sometimes as unwilling to be called a Christian, asking
if he wished to have his name retained on the Year-book
list. The writer had no desire to leave off any minister's
name, but he thought it not right to retain it in the Year-
book without the person's consent. The gentleman referred
to was equally conscientious. He did not wish to seem
what he was not. But he loved the denomination, and prob-
ably felt that he belonged with it. Yet it might have seemed
to him, that the Association wished to have him counted
THE END.
out, which was far from the case. We have seen from Mr
Lowe s letter, quoted a page or two back, that although he
regretted much that any brethren should feel impelled by
then- consciences to give up this time-honored name of Chris-
tian, yet he recognized that this was only a form of denial
on the part of some few valued men, and that in spirit thev
were one with us.
The result of it was, that the gentleman before named
allowed his name to be left off the list of Unitarian minis-
ters. This affair caused a good deal of sore feelincr in the
denomination. The extreme radicals voted the Association
a bundle of conceit and intolerance, and the extreme con-
servatives probably chuckled that they had got a radical man
off the list of Unitarian ministers.
Mr. Lowe felt the whole matter very keenly. After the
travail of his soul before he left home, to bring all sides of
the denomination into harmony with itself and the Associa-
tion, and the supreme satisfaction of succeeding, to have
this war of words break out again was more than he could
bear in his delicate condition of health. He said that he
must go into the Tuesday-morning anniversary meeting of
the Association, if only to present a resolution which he had
drawn up, after painful turning-over of the subject in his
mind, and friendly correspondence with the parties concerned
in the matter.
We are not able to find these resolutions now ; but, as
nearly as we can remember, they were in substance this:
that whatever might be the policy of the Association, and
its firm adherence to the Christian basis, it was not the prov-
ince of the Year-book to draw any lines between so-called
Christians and non-Christians, but simply to give an accurate
list of those persons who wished to be recognized as preach-
ers in the Unitarian denomination. No names, therefore, in
his opinion, would be ever left off, except for moral delin-
quency, or at the request of the minister himself.
This was virtually the attitude of the executive officers of
580 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
the Association ; and they regretted as much as he, that an
unfortunate misunderstanding on both sides had brought
about the exclusion of a valued minister's name.
Mr. Lowe forced himself into a few of the meetings, but
was too weak to take any further part in them. He went to
the festival for the sake of being with those he loved on that
bright occasion, but was obliged through exhaustion to go
home soon after the supper. Fortunately, his " Review " for
June was all made up ; and we will, before going on farther,
look at this last number that came from his hands while he
was with us.
It opens with a paper by Rev. H. G. Spalding on " The
Unitarian Standard ; " next, " A Plea for the Human Element
in Religion," by Rev. George Batchelor ; " Cornell Univer-
sity," by Dr. R. P. Stebbins ; "The Relation of the Child
to the Home," by Mrs. E. D. Chene} r ; " In His Name," by
Rev. Richard Metcalf; "The Calculus," by Dr. Thomas
Hill; "Literature for the Young," a short article fur-
nished by the Ladies' Commission on Sunday-school books ;
"Sketches of Thought and Travel," by Rev. E. H. Sears;
and the sermon, "Made Perfect in One," by Rev. A. M.
Knapp.
In his Note-book the editor has an article on the ' ' Pastoral
Office ; " letters on education abroad, which he had solicited
from Miss E. Sharpe and Miss Beedy ; and correspondence
also from Professor Bracciforti of Italy, with the "Review
of Current Literature."
It is well to cast a look at this table of contents. He has
not secularized the periodical at all, so to speak. Every
thing furnished is in the interests of liberal Christianity,
either from the subjects themselves, or because they enlist
the services of people in our own or other religious commu-
nions, and commit them and their educational work to the
cause of liberal religion. And yet how free from narrowness,
how attractive, is the look of these pages ! It may be said,
that he was bound somewhat to another magazine, with
TU .
z ?dtcr;r e r from ih <- * ^
ae
ready to help; but we believe the present editors of the
Renew" have endeavored, in the main, to carry out the
same pract.cal and religion, policy, and have succeeded to a
great degree.
He continued to go back and forth to the city and home
the anniversary week was ended. On Saturday he was
m the same state of languor and exhaustion ; but, as the
meetings were over, it seemed desirable to have a change for
aim at once. It was proposed that he should go down to
bwampscott to a small hotel, which had no attractions of it-
self, but was convenient, as being open at all seasons. It
commanded, however, a pleasant view of the ocean, and had
a charming knoll behind it, covered with cedars and other
trees. Cows pastured there ; and there were woodland paths
that furnished the most perfect repose and seclusion, and
surprising little vistas of the blue sea from the heights. The
weather was still cold, but he always said it was not so raw
close by the sea as a mile or two away from it. The plan
was, to drive down to Swampscott. It was an unwise one.
He was too weak to have the care of even a gentle horse ; and
the winds were cutting: but he was so accustomed to do
what others expected of him, without regard to his own
strength, that he fell in with the well-meant desire to get him
582 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
away somewhere ; and this little journey of fifteen miles
seemed the best that could be thought of. His companion
took the reins as often as he would allow ; and he reached
Swampscott without breaking down, but in an exhausted
condition, walking slowly up the steps of the little hotel.
As soon as he saw the ocean, and felt the air, his spirits and
strength revived. "This is just what I want," he said.
He enjoyed his evening-meal of fish fresh from the water,
and fried potatoes, saying nothing had tasted so good for
weeks. He went out afterwards on to the rocks, and then
went to bed tranquilly and happily. On Sunday he spent
most of the day on the beach with a book. He enjoyed a
little volume of selected poems, called "Sea and Shore,"
which had been sent to the "Review." He staid on the
rocks in the twilight so long, that we were obliged to call him
in. When he came in, he sank into a chair, and said, "I
am afraid I have staid too long," and breathed with short
pantings. He got rested, however, and went to bed, and
slept quietly until eleven o'clock, when he was awakened by
a slight cough ; and a hemorrhage of blood came from the
lungs. It was checked in a short time, not being very pro-
fuse. Another came at four o'clock. He had had two
hemorrhages at different times in his life, and experienced
relief from them, and got up in a day or so from their effect.
These also relieved the action of his lungs for a little while,
and his depression of spirits was gone ; but they left him in
a weaker condition, with fever-turns. A young physician,
thoroughly educated, who was practising at that time in
Swampscott, and highly esteemed by the medical faculty in
Salem, was called in. He acted the part of a skilful nurse
as well as phj-sician, procured the medicines, sent to Boston
for such delicate stimulants as were required, and, in short,
took a kind of respousibilit}', which was a great relief in that
lonely place, not yet thronged with summer visitors.
The hemorrhage returned in about forty-eight hours, and
more copious than before. There was now serious cause for
THE END.
great anxiety. Dr. Peirson, the patient's brother-in-law,
f balem, was himself sick in bed, and unable to come to
Swarnpscott. He knew the young physician, however, by
reputation, and approved of his course. There was nothing
to do but to hope for the best. Sometimes the patient would
go three or four days without any hemorrhage, and the friends
would begin to feel encouraged. He would sit up for an hour
or two, and look at the ocean. His capacity for physical en-
joyment in little ways was a great comfort to those around
him, as he had always been so abstemious. He enjoyed the
ripe strawberries every day, for June had come in. He liked
his oat-meal, and said, "There is great virtue in this," as
though he had never had it at home. His sister, the doc-
tor's wife in Salem, came down continually, bringing little
comforts with her, among other things a silk putf for his
bed, which would be light and warm, and make the room
look pleasant. " Take off E 's quilt," he would say at
night, before going to sleep, fearing it would be soiled.
Sometimes he would say, " It seems as though I must get
well, I am having such good nursing, and so many good
things." His bed was, however, very wearisome to him.
He was never used to such confinement. He was thin, and
began to feel a soreness from the constrained position. His
friends regret that they did not let him sit up more, and walk
about the room. Physicians are by no means certain that
moderate motion at all accelerates hemorrhage ; but there
was the natural fear of bringing on new attack-, ami the
hope of subduing them by repose and good nourishment.
We must always have our regrets. His mind was active;
but yet he was too weak to listen to reading, except a fVw
words from the New Testament at morning and night. 1 1 is
large gray e\-e was bright, and seemed to be often fixed in
thought. He was looking through to tho end. His wife,
anxious not to have too much pent-up feeling, and yet not
willing to face the worst, said, "You arc in a very -Micato
condition : your physicians cannot tell how this sickness will
584 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
end. We are in hopes to get you strong enough to go home
in a close carriage, and then the summer air may raise } r ou
up again. But there is no harm in arranging any affairs that
trouble you. None of us die any sooner for doing these
things." He seemed relieved at this conversation; sent
messages in regard to his money affairs to trusted friends at
Somerville ; talked about his July " Review," said he had
material enough arranged for that number, etc. He wanted
very much to write a review of Mr. Frothingham's life of
Theodore Parker for the month of July. He clung to the
idea. The article was already begun ; but, said he sadly
one day, " I can't hold a thought in my mind : it slips away
before I can grasp it." He was very anxious at length to
have Dr. J. F. Clarke do this work, feeling the book one of
importance, and wishing to have him review it. His wife
took the pen to write to Dr. Clarke, and then dropped it,
saying, with a faint hope, " Perhaps 3*011 may yet write it."
But this was the last time he said any thing about doing
the work himself. He grew too weak. His worst symptom
seemed to be, that he was gradually losing the power to
expand his lungs after the hemorrhages. During the day his
mind would be taken up ; and he would not appear to suffer
much, except from weariness. But in the night he would
lie with his eyes wide open, not moving for fear of disturb-
ing his wife, trying to make her think he was asleep,
but would be often discovered thinking intently. He was
probably convinced that this was his last sickness ; but he
had no thought of being soon released, and he was dreading
a long confinement to his room. One day he said to his
wife, "Do you think I shall have a long sickness?"
"No," she answered, "we do not. Your temperament is
so elastic and }'et delicate, that you will either, as we hope,
get well, and stay some more years with us, or } T OU will pass
away as soon as you become much exhausted." " Do you
really think so?" he said, looking up eagerly. " We do,"
was the answer. "Oh, I am so glad ! " he said. The next
THE END.
night, when he was discovered awake, and was about to have
his barley nourishment, he exclaimed, " Oh, I have found
out a way to breathe ! " This went like a knell to his com-
panion's heart. " Oh, don't say that! You must breathe
as others do if you can." Her courage and hope were all
gone from that moment. But nothing more was said. One
day he spoke about going home. "Are you impatient to
go? "we said. " Oh, no !" he answered. "As far as I am
concerned, I am perfectly contented here." It was evidently
thoughtfulness for us in the privations of the place. He
was afraid his sickness had "spoiled little M 's birth-
day," and reached out to his pocket for some money to give
the children to spend on this occasion. His devoted niece
from North Cambridge took the care of the little ones, and
amused them all day on the beautiful hill behind the house,
so that he had no disturbance from them. His mother and
sisters and brother-in-law came to see him, but did not stay,
as the room was limited, and there was not much to do for
him. He took milk, which he had never been able to do
before, and thought his beef-tea was " wonderful" at first,
but at length got tired of it. His " Review" was in his mind
from first to last. We took notes of all his literary and busi-
ness affairs whenever he spoke of them, in order to relieve
his mind. One night he exclaimed, "Oh! I have actually
slept, felt that I was sleeping." Although he dozed in
the daytime, this showed how little he must have slept
in the night. He would lie so still for fear of giving dis-
turbance, that it was impossible to tell whether he slept, or
not. He began at length through the day to breathe with
his nostrils slightly expanded, and his eyes full and lustrous,
not in great suffering, but unable to fill his lungs with nir.
He would pronounce our names so slowly, and with such
intensity, even when he spoke of common things, that i
startled us. We saw afterwards that this was exhaust! on,
and the eagerness to say what he wished. He said one day,
" I am certainly growing weaker." He had sat up for some
586 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
time, and looked at the ocean ; but afterwards a hemorrhage
came, and his breathing was more unnatural each day.
On Wednesday night, June 17, the doctor saw signs which
caused him anxiety. He said, "Do not fail to call me in
the night if he is not so well." The doctor was just across
the street. The patient was quiet, and comparatively com-
fortable, but could not sleep. His mind was very active.
Gentle rubbing, and stroking of the hair, would not produce
any effect. He would answer, " I am comfortable, but I
am thinking." A dose of bromide of potassium calmed
him; and he would say, "Almost asleep." So passed his
night. At about four o'clock he gave a slight cough ; and a
most profuse hemorrhage came, beyond any thing he had
ever had. "This 1 , is so unexpected," he said, after the first
flow produced by slight coughing ; which seems to show that
he had not given up hope of himself, or at least that he was
comfortable during the night. The doctor was summoned
at once. He seemed surprised to see the doctor at that
time, not comprehending the danger he was in. Cold com-
presses applied to his chest at length checked the hemor-
rhage, but they caused an audible chattering of his lips.
On seeing our distressed countenances, he looked up, and
said, " This is not suffering, only weakness." After an
hour or so he said he would take some milk, which pleased
us very much.
The sister from Salem came in the morning, bringing with
her a tried and faithful friend and nurse in the family for
years. When she arrived, he said, "Now M can go
away and rest." When she came back to the sick-room, he
said, " Oh, you don't know what it is to be lifted as M
lifts me ! " He had never been willing that his friends should
raise him, and they saw then the importance of having an
outside nurse in sickness. The}- had alwa}-s felt this in long
illnesses, but they had feared that a new face at night would
make him more wakeful. "I am glad," he said, "that
this did not all happen when I was across the water in
THE END. 537
Europe." When night came, he insisted upon his wife's
leaving the room for a whole night's sleep. He had a rest-
less night. For an hour or two he suffered intensely for
breath. Towards morning he was tranquil, and said he
was thankful that M was having a good night. She
did not sleep as much as he thought. She heard his moan-
ing, and felt sure, from this pain in breathing, that his end
was near. She went to the door, but dared not enter for
fear of disappointing him. At morning, when she entered
the room, she was struck with the change in his countenance.
His face showed past suffering, and had the look of death.
He said, smiling, " It is not often that I am not glad to see
you, but you must go back again to sleep." He was told
that it was morning, but he answered that it was too early.
So she went back for a little while. When she came down-
stairs again, she met the doctor, and asked him if her fears
were true. He answered "Yes." He had left it for her
to learn the truth herself. When she went into the patient's
room, he smiled with an unearthly look. He had taken some
tea and toast, and was quite comfortable. She told him
that she had given him to God the past night. He drew a
long breath. " Is that true? Now I am relieved," he said.
" Now all is just right." He had dreaded breaking the
truth to her. Then followed a conversation upon her worldly
affairs, her home, repairing the house, and choosing an ad-
viser subject to her will, who should aid her in the care of
her children and her property. The choice was made at
once of a cousin, in whom both had great confidence; :md
he then put all anxiety away from his mind, and talked
with clear voice of tenderer things. He seemed to have
no sense of fatigue ; but he urged his wife after a while to
go to the knoll above the house, to the favorite spot over-
looking the sea, to refresh herself. She told him she would
rather remain there. When he mentioned it again, she told
him it was not pleasant. He did not seem to notir- t
foggy weather, his mind was so uplifted. In ppcnking of
588 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
death, he said at one time, "There is no separation. We
shall still be the same little family." " The very same? "
was the question. "Yes, the very same," he answered
confidently, with a kind of assui'ance of the daily commu-
nion between the departed and the living, which seemed like
a revelation.
The children came in for a few moments. He took the
oldest, and drew her up to him, saying, "My noble M : "
and to the little one he said, " Dear little J ; " and her
tears prevented him from saying more. At another hour he
said to them, " When you look at my picture, think that it
says to you, ' Be happy, and love one another.' ' He said
to the mother, " Let the home be cheerful. My picture will
say to you, ' I am well and happy.' ' This simple expres-
sion, so like what we alwa} T s use when on a journey, made
them feel that it was really only a little journey he was going
to take, and that the letters of love would come hourly and
daily. This picture to which he referred was about two-
thirds life-size, and hung in the dining-room at home. It
was copied from a smaller one by an Italian friend, who
wanted to do something for one who had been kind to him.
Mr. Lowe had never cared particularly for the picture ; but
now he seemed to dwell upon it with satisfaction, which
made it doubly dear to his friends ; and it was afterwards
transferred to his study, which remains essentially un-
changed.
His family physician and friend from North Cambridge,
and friends from Somerville, came, but retired shortly.
During the day his mother and sisters came. He kept
his friends often occupied in taking down notes and memo-
randa for the " Review." He was bright and comfortable.
It seemed unreal that so happy and elastic a being was going
to pass away. Did we dare hope? No, no! That counte-
nance showed that it was the tenderness, the sublimity, of
what we call death, which was upon him. He talked with
M , the friend and nurse, when we were out of the room
589
for a few moments. He asked abonf n.
his brother-in-law. Tell him "H Dl \ Pe ' rson of
the bod,, and leave the rest "'(^ ^ t " l
round a sick body, as I have do!el *ar "
about the children, and mention
G,e
fte nurse if there was any way that he could see the
She seated herself behind him on the bed,
foaa -
for a half an hour, looking at the sea, and saying often,
''How beautiful! It seems as if it were heaven Itself-'
A one time he said, This is the happiest day of my life."
At another, "Beautiful day, happy day!" He thanked
1 , his nurse, earnestly, and said that Heaven only
could pay her for what she did in nursing him. She said,
has done me more good than you." " How so?" he
said, looking at her eagerly. Because it has strengthened
my f ai th. I do not feel as if I should ever fear death after
seeing you so resigned and happy." Oh, M _ ! " he
said, I am perfectly happy, and I have not' a fear. You
know, that, if you have faith in God, there is nothing for you
to fear. He has sent his own Son to .die for us." Later he
asked his wife about the distribution of some of his little
things, who should wear his watch, which was a present
from his New-Bedford Sunday school, and a valuable one,
and what should be given to the children, etc. He began
to speak of his friends and ministerial brethren, mentioning
them by name, and sending his love. His wife wrote mes-
sages down at intervals. Once he stopped, and said, " This
will be a trouble to you." " What better thing," she said,
" can I do when you are gone, than to send these messages
to your friends?" He answered, "Perhaps it will be a
good thing for you." He sent word to Mr. Bowles, the pro-
590 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
prietor of the " Review," through a dictated letter, that he
was ver}* sorry that his death should cause him so much dis-
appointment and trouble with the "Review," and offering
his best wishes. Sometimes after a silence he would come
out with a name, " Give my love to and ." If
his strength had held out, it seems as though he would have
mentioned every friend he knew, so embracing was his dying
affection. When he spoke about his being laid in Mount
Auburn, he said, " Have a very simple stone ; " and, think-
ing probably of his funeral, continued, " Have every thing
cheerful about the house." His sister-in-law, E , came
in ; and he had most affectionate words for her, and the ten-
derest expressions for his mother and sisters and brother-in-
law, who were passing in and out of the room. He earnestly
requested his wife, in the course of conversation with her,
to take up her avocations, not merely of the pen, but in
organizations for the church and the advancement of wo-
men. When she answered, "In a year," he said eagerly,
" Sooner ; " and after an hour repeated the request, saying,
"Promise me;" and thus there came another sacred trust
for her.
About six o'clock that day, Friday, which seemed weeks
in the amount of feeling and action gathered into it, he said,
" I will have a little tea here in the room with you, if you
do not wish to go down-stairs ; and it shall be our commu-
nion together." He said some simple words about how
Jesus did not want any set form, but merely that we should
remember him together in this affectionate way. He con-
tinued, " I have not always felt this emotion towards him,
but I feel it now." If Friday was a most " beautiful day "
to him in its glow of heavenly joy, Friday night, his last,
was beautiful in its repose. His lungs seemed to be clear ;
and, although he was weak, he was not suffering, and he
would gently doze. When he stirred at intervals, we would
ask him if he would have a little barley or brandy. " Just
as you please," he would say. " Now go to sleep." When
THE END.
we looked at him occasionally in the dim light, he would
whisper softly, "Comfortable." His sister and niece were
also m the room by turns, and the nurse, M , near by
In the morning he took a little breakfast with bis wife, drank
some coffee, and tasted of her egg and toast. As the morn-
ing advanced, he became more exhausted: his breathing
was difficult, and he longed to depart. One time he thought
himself going, perhaps, and said softly, "Father, into thy
hands I commend my spirit." When he was quiet we sang
gently, "The Lord is my Shepherd," etc. He joined in
coming out distinctly at the words, " My cup runneth over."
Mr. C. Tyler, his venerable and beloved friend and neigh-
bor, came into his room for a moment. He lay with his
eyes shut, and we thought he did not observe his friend.
On telling him, he looked up, and smiled, and said, " Dear
uncle T , how much I love him, and aunt T also ! "
He took a little liquid from time to time, but was anxious
not to prolong life. We said, " You will be willing to stay
with us a little longer if you do not suffer? " " Oh, yes ! "
he answered. But the last time he took a little brandy, he
made an effort to rise up for breath, and then said, " It was
a mistake to take that: it has put life into me." He had
moments of relief, when he liked to have his hair stroked,
and listen to hymns : his mind wandered u{>on his " Re-
view ; " and he mentioned his wife's name in full, as if sign-
ing a paper or article for her ; and then that of Mr. A. T.
Lyman, seeming to confide his precious " Review " to his
hands. Soon his spasms began to be more frequent and
severe. He looked up beseechingly, and said, " I cannot
breathe." The doctor then, at our request, gave him some
ether to inhale. After a moment or two he fell into a slrrp,
and became entirely unconscious, breathing regularly and
tranquilly for nearly two hours. About four o'clock in the
afternoon it was Saturday, June 20 he gave two long
sighs, then a short breath, and he ceased to breathe. His
body was at rest, and his lovely spirit rose to his Father's
house on high.
592 MEMOIR OF CHARLES LOWE.
We repeated the words of Scripture, "The Lord gave,
and the Lord hath taken away." Then we said the Mas-
ter's prayer together and the benediction, "The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellow-
ship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore."
We carried his weary body home that evening. The
weather was beautiful, and continued so through all the com-
ing week. We laid his form away on Wednesda}- at Mount
Auburn. There it rests under a beautiful green fir-tree ;
but his new life is a presence in the home, and we trust in
the church forever.
APPENDIX.
NOTE I.
SHORT services were held at the house in Somerville, Rev. G. W.
Durell of St. Thomas Episcopal Church offering prayer. The
friends then went to the Unitarian church, Highland Avenue,
where many from abroad had gathered. The choir began the ser-
vices by singing, " Lead, kindly Light." Prayer was then offered
by Rev. H. H. Barber, pastor of the church, who followed with
reading of the Scriptures. The choir sang, " The Lord is my
Shepherd," after which Dr. Bellows of New York made an
address. Prayer was then offered by Rev. Dr. Peabody of Cam-
bridge. The choir sang, " Rest, weary heart," and the benedic-
tion was pronounced.
NOTE II.
The burial-lot at Mount Auburn was purchased of Columbus
Tyler of Somerville, being half of his enclosure, in Mistletoe Path.
A simple stone bears the name of Charles Lowe, his age, and time
of departure, with the following inscription: "How beautiful are
the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad
tidings of good things."
NOTE III.
Rev. Henry W. Foote of King's Chapel, Boston, a friend in the
household of Mr. Lowe, took the care of the Review " for the
month at his request. Mr. Foote found, as the dying ed.
said, material for some time to come; and the July number was
already going to press. The Editor's Note-book department WM
unfilled; and, in a feeling article upon the departure of hw
594 APPENDIX.
Mr. Foote said that he should leave that space untouched. Other
friends, to whom Mr. Lowe had applied on his sick-bed, kindly
furnished the book-department, etc.
Mr. Foote retained the editorship through the year. In the
August number the Editor's Note-book is entirely filled with ex-
tracts from the press in regard to Mr. Lowe, and the official notices
of the American Unitarian Association, and the various bodies with
which he was connected. In his introduction Mr. Foote says,
" Such a bringing together in one symphony of common feeling
of the scattered voices which have given their loving witness, will
present the strongest testimony to the power of our friend's char-
acter."
NOTE IV.
These notices were afterwards reprinted with many additions
in prose and verse, and some notices from abroad, in a " Memo-
rial" prepared and published by the kindness of Mr. Lowe's
friends. This memorial printed also the selections from Scripture
read at his funeral, the address of Dr. Bellows, and the sermon
preached by his pastor, Rev. H. H. Barber of Somerville, the
Sunday after ; also selections from an address delivered by Rev.
Dr. Peabody before the New-Hampshire Unitarian Conference,
at Exeter, June 30; and extracts from a sermon of Rev. B. F.
McDaniel, given in the pulpit of Exeter, N.H., Mr. Lowe's native
place. A likeness of Mr. Lowe was inserted in the memorial, being
copied from a portrait executed through the generosity of some of
his friends, and hung in the rooms of the American Unitarian
Association, Boston.
NOTE V.
On Sept. 13, 1874, the sixth biennial meeting of the " National
Conference of Unitarian and other Christian Churches" was held
at Saratoga. The first proposition to hold these conventions at
Saratoga, after the great hotels were vacated by summer company,
came from Charles Lowe. The convention was a success, and has
continued to hold its meetings at Saratoga.
NOTE YI.
The last literary effort of Mr. Lowe, as has been said, was an
attempt to write a review of the life of Theodore Parker by Mr.
APPENDIX. 595
Frothingham. Mr. Lowe dwelt upon the idea in his sick-room,
that he could finish it for the July number of the " Review," but
at length gave it up reluctantly. We insert the fragments here as
we find them.
"It is curious to observe the difference in the estimation of Theo-
dore Parker's religious position in places where he is known abroad,
from that in which he is held by the corresponding classes in his own
country. In Europe, during the last ten years, his works have been
more and more in the hands of persons wholly ' evangelical ' in their
connections, and whose co-religionists in America have been accus-
tomed to look upon Mr. Parker with distrust, if not aversion, as an
uprooter and denier of sacred truths.
" The reason of this difference is, not a greater degree of toleration
abroad; for we find them bitterly denouncing authors and theolo-
gians whose works are read and quoted by the most orthodox on our
side of the water, and who are wholly unconscious of heretical associa-
tions. The explanation is readily discovered. In a life so intense as
that of Mr. Parker, and so largely engaged in conflict, it was Inevit-
able that there should be engendered such an excitement of personal
feeling, that the real outline of his character and work was for a
time obscured. His readers abroad, knowing nothing of personal
controversies, or even of his more ephemeral writings (which prob-
ably contain much that is irritating to opponents), and viewing him
only by those writings which have been deemed most worthy of
translation, hardly comprehend the feeling which some Americans
express to them, in regard to his heretical position.
"What we have thus referred to as the effect of distance of space in
the estimate of a man like Mr. Parker, is also noticeable as the effect
of distance of time. And we believe that now in his own community,
and with those who were sometimes hotly engaged among his antag-
onists, the feeling of personal irritation has <> far subsided, that
a biography like this of Mr. Frothingham will find a welcome, and a
fairness of reception, it would naturally enough hardly have m.-t
with while the memory of some causes of personal bitterness was
still fresh.
" We rejoice that Mr. Frothingham has, in the main, avoided a
repetition of these elements of irritation, and, without in any way
concealing their existence, has so little allowed them to interfere with
the more important and lasting features of Mr. Parker's life.
is in the career of such a man, to use the phrase which we assoclai
with Mr. Parker, the 'transient and permanent;' and while per
haps, in the estimation of many, the transient elements were mom
596 APPENDIX.
needed and the most effective, yet all will agree that there is much
connected with them which had better give place to those which
make him a permanent object of study, and source of help. The great
charm of Mr. Frothingham's book is the prominence with which he
sets forth the personality of the man. By the graceful narrative of
the life, the interspersing of little anecdotes and incidents, the varied
correspondence always happily illustrative of the writer's character,
he has given us an admirable picture of Theodore Parker as a man.
"It is the personality of the man that first challenges our interest;
and, as here portrayed, it is so full of inspiration as an example, that
we could wish it might be more widely read and studied. What more
wholesome and helpful example for every young man in the land,
than the story of the whole period up to Mr. Parker's entrance on his
profession? Born of humble parentage, though of sturdy Puritan
stock, and reared in poverty, he works his way to the enjoyment and
the privileges of education, making adverse circumstances actually
help him in hie progress. The sturdy resolution, the buoyant cheer-
fulness, the heroism of those early struggles, make us wish we could
linger to repeat their story.". . .
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